Documents for which the UCP Transport Articles do not apply

13) Drafts, transport documents and insurance documents must be dated even if a credit does not expressly so require. A requirement that a document, other than those mentioned above, be dated, may be satisfied by reference in the document to the date of another document forming part of the same presentation (e.g. where a shipping certificate is issued which states "date as per bill of lading number xxx" or similar terms). Although it is expected that a required certificate or declaration in a separate document be dated, its compliance will depend on the type of certification or declaration that has been requested, its required wording, and the wording that appears within it. Whether other documents require dating will depend on the nature and content of the document in question.
14) Any document, including a certificate of analysis, inspection certificate and pre-shipment inspection certificate, may be dated after the date of shipment. However, if a credit requires a document evidencing a pre-shipment event (e.g. pre-shipment inspection certificate), the document must, either by its title or content, indicate that the event (e.g. inspection) took place prior to or on the date of shipment. A requirement for an "inspection certificate" does not constitute a requirement to evidence a pre-shipment event. Documents must not indicate that they were issued after the date they are presented.
15) A document indicating a date of preparation and a later date of signing is deemed to be issued on the date of signing.
16) The rule for the latest date for presentation in sub-Article 43(a) of UCP applies only to presentations that are required to contain one or more original transport documents. Transport documents are those covered by UCP Articles 23-29. In any event, documents must be presented not later than the expiry date of the credit.
17) Phrases often used to signify time on either side of a date or event:
a) "within 2 days after" indicates a period from the date of the event until 2 days after the event.
b) "not later than 2 days after" does not indicate a period, only a latest date. If an advice must not be dated prior to a specific date, the credit must so state.
c) "at least 2 days before" indicates that something must take place not later than 2 days before an event. There is no limit as to how early it may take place.
d) "within 2 days of" indicates a period 2 days prior to the event until 2 days after the event.
18) The term "within" when used in connection with a date excludes that date in the calculation of the period.
19) Dates may be expressed in different formats, e.g. the 12th of November 2003 could be expressed as 12 Nov 03, 12Nov03, 12.11.2003, 12.11.03, 2003.11.12, 11.12.03, 121103, etc. Provided that the date intended can be determined from the document or from other documents included in the presentation, any of these formats are acceptable. To avoid confusion it is recommended that the name of the month should be used instead of the number.
Documents for which the UCP Transport Articles do not apply
20) Some documents commonly used in relation to the transportation of goods, e.g. Delivery Order, Forwarder's Certificate of Receipt, Forwarder's Certificate of Shipment, Forwarder's Certificate of Transport, Forwarder's Cargo Receipt and Mate's Receipt do not reflect a contract of carriage and are not transport documents as defined in UCP Articles 23 through 29. As such, UCP Article 43 would not apply to these documents. Therefore, these documents will be examined in the same manner as other documents for which there are no specific provisions in the UCP, i.e. under UCP Article 21. In any event, documents must be presented not later than the expiry date of the credit.
21) Copies of transport documents are not transport documents for the purpose of UCP Articles 23-29 and 43. The UCP Transport Articles apply where there are original transport documents presented. Where a credit allows for the presentation of a copy(ies) rather than an original(s), the credit must explicitly state the details to be shown. Where copies (non-negotiable) are presented, they need not evidence signature, dates, etc.