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Meaning Of The Expression "On Or Before"

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:25 pm
by shahriar
dear all,

UCP600 says,

The expression "on or about” or similar will be interpreted as a stipulation that an event is to occur during a period of five calendar days before until five calendar days after the specified date, both start and end dates included.

the CDCS practice test on the site has a question as follows

"A Letter of Credit was issued in favor ....on 12th December 2007. The LC shows the latest shipment date as "on or before 15th January". Which of the following is the shipment date under this LC?"

the answer given is "any time before 15th january"

i would like to know whats meaning of "on or before"?

regd

shahriar

Re: meaning of the expression "on or before"

Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 1:14 pm
by Navi
Dear friend,
.
I was also confused with the answer given. From the wording "on or before" I understand that shipment must be effected before 15th January but including the date 15th Jan. (because of the expression "on..." and "or...").
.
regrds

Re: meaning of the expression "on or before"

Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:05 pm
by cristiand969
In the context of such wording I agree with navi's reply that's the correct one.

Re: meaning of the expression "on or before"

Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:57 pm
by iLC
i tried the test and i agree. the answer should be like that. but still thats the closest answer. if we go by ucp600
The words "to", "until", “till”, “from” and “between” when used to determine a period of shipment includes the date or dates mentioned, and the word “before” and “after” exclude the date mentioned.
so answer like anytime before 15th excludes the day 15th. so correct answer would be anytime before 16th. do you guys agree?

iLC

Re: meaning of the expression "on or before"

Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:52 pm
by Navi
Dear iLC,
.
I agree with you that "before 15th", excludes the day 15th. However, when stated "on or before", the correct answer must include the 15th day, in my opinion.