A Study on the Application of Reasonableness in UCP600 : Striking a Fair Balance between Efficiency and Equity

UCP 600 합리성 행위기준의 적용방식 : 서류검토기간의 효율과 형평의 균형

This study analyzes some important spin-off effects of the provision, UCP600 Article 14(6), through the methodology of the expected utility maximization theory based on the state-contingent commodities model. Some technical implications of this study are as follows. First, the risk-averse beneficiary will choose to present his documents more than 5 days before expiry date by paying a higher risk premium (so-called cure period) for full assurance to cure documentary discrepancies, if expressed economically, he pursues loss reducing activities to the point where the expected marginal product of his activities is less than its marginal cost. Secondly, where the effectiveness of securing cure period is uncertain, the risk-averse beneficiary will choose to present documents just on the expiry date without securing any cure period by paying no risk premium. This study finally suggests the safe harbor standard should be optimal solution only if it is supplemented by the hidden reasonableness standard for balancing the conflicts of interest between beneficiaries and banks.