The port of loading is the port where cargo is loaded onto the vessel, as named on the bill of lading, and its consistent use across all trade documents is essential for documentary checks and letter-of-credit compliance.
In trade practice
The port of loading must appear identically on the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and any phytosanitary or health certificate. Discrepancies between documents are a common cause of delays in EU border controls and payment refusals under documentary credits. For Ukrainian grain or oil exports, the port of loading is typically a Black Sea port, and its name must match the vessel booking confirmation exactly.
In a specification
Contracts and letters of credit should name the permitted port or ports of loading explicitly; any deviation requires an amendment before shipment to avoid documentary non-compliance.