Inconsistency in the bill of lading; wrong container number

[Shahed]

At the top of a Bill of Lading it shows 5 X 40' bulk in Container and at the bottom of the bill of lading its says T/S and underneath T/S it says D20.

Issuing bank refused to pay to the negotiating bank stating inconsistency in the bill of lading; 40 ' at the top and 20' at the bottom.

On enquiry, the negotiating bank came to know that T/S stands for Type/Size and D20 is Dry 20' Container.

Do you think it is the responsibility of the banks to find out from the shipping company the meaning of T/S and D20 before negotiating the documents ?

Do you think the discrepancy pointed out by the issuing bank is valid ?

Any ICC opinion with respect to above ?

Shall appreciate your valuable comments on this matter.

Regards,

Shahed

[DanielD]

if it was a question of container number, there are opinions: R224 and R559 but the issue here is the size of the container. Does the B/L show in what containers the goods were loaded that is 40' or 20' ?

Daniel

[Shahed]

Actually , it was shipped in 20' Container.