Negotiability Test for Transport Documents (UCP 600)

Step 1:
➡️ Is the document a Bill of Lading (B/L) or Charter Party Bill of Lading?

  • Yes → Go to Step 2

  • No → ❌ Non-Negotiable (Air Waybill, Sea Waybill, Multimodal, Road/Rail, Courier, Post)

Step 2:
➡️ How is the consignee shown?

  • “To order” / “To order of [Bank/Party]” / “Bearer” → ✅ Negotiable (title can be transferred by endorsement)

  • Specific named consignee (e.g., ABC Ltd.) → ❌ Non-Negotiable

Final Rule:

  • Negotiable Transport Documents = Bill of Lading (Marine or Charter Party) consigned to order / bearer.

  • Non-Negotiable Transport Documents = Air Waybill, Sea Waybill, Multimodal Transport Doc, Road/Rail/Inland Waterway Doc, Courier/Post Receipts, or B/L consigned to a named party only.

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