UCP 600 Guide for Documentary Letters of Credit
UCP 600 is the rulebook most banks use for documentary letters of credit (LCs). It sets the ground rules for what banks examine, how long they have to examine it,
and how discrepancies are handled. It does not turn a weak commercial contract into a strong one. It also does not guarantee payment if the documents do not comply.
If you are deciding between a documentary LC and a standby, start with SBLC vs DLC.
Banks pay against documents, not against stories. Under UCP 600, the safest path is to keep required documents tight, objective, and easy to verify.
If the LC is written like a negotiation script, it usually fails at presentation.
What UCP 600 Covers (And What It Does Not)
What it covers
- How banks treat the LC as separate from the underlying sale contract.
- What “complying presentation” means in practice.
- Standard timeframes for examination and notice of refusal.
- Core document expectations (on their face, within the document set).
What it does not cover
- Whether the goods are “good” or the service was performed well.
- Whether the deal is profitable or the counterparty is honest.
- Commercial disputes outside the document set.
- Financing terms unless the LC is paired with a separate facility.
The Bank Workflow In One Page
A practical LC workflow is predictable: the applicant and issuing bank agree the LC terms, the LC is advised to the beneficiary, the beneficiary ships (or performs),
then presents documents to the nominated bank. The bank examines the presentation, and either honours or refuses with a defined notice.
If you need a plain explainer of the commercial options around issuance and bank support, see issuance, confirmation, and discounting explained.
UCP 600 Rules That Drive Real Outcomes
- Independence principle:
the LC stands apart from the sale contract. The bank looks at documents, not performance arguments.
- Standard of examination:
documents are examined “on their face” for compliance within the document set.
- Examination period:
banks have a defined examination window and must send a proper refusal notice if they reject.
- Discrepancies:
most LC failures are basic: names, dates, descriptions, amounts, missing signatures, or inconsistent data across documents.
How To Write LC Terms That Survive Presentation
The fastest way to break an LC is to add soft clauses that cannot be proven with documents, like “quality acceptable to buyer” or “buyer confirmation required.”
Keep conditions objective. Align the invoice description with the LC goods description. Specify shipment windows and Incoterms clearly.
If your structure includes standby support or performance protection, use the right instrument and rules. For standby basics, read the full SBLC guide.
When UCP 600 Is Not The Best Fit
Not every “LC” is a documentary LC. Standby letters are commonly issued under ISP98 (or sometimes UCP 600 depending on market practice and text).
Guarantees are often governed by URDG 758. If your transaction is really about performance support or a payable-on-demand claim,
read SBLCs and guarantees under ISP98, URDG 758, and UCP 600.
Need Help Structuring A Bankable LC?
If you have counterparties, trade flow, and a clear document set, we can help you tighten LC terms so the presentation can clear without drama.
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Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute advice, an offer, or a solicitation.
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