Do the ICC Prove and Move Rules exist?
By the Vanguard Verify desk · Published 2026-10-24 · Updated 2026-11-02
Short answer: no. The ICC has publicly warned that “ICC Prove and Move Rules”, “ICC Regulations 400/500/600” and full-text non-circumvention agreements attributed to it are not ICC documents, and that citing them is a likely sign of a scam. The current letter of credit rules are UCP 600; UCP 700 has not been issued.
Real vs non-existent ICC references
| Reference you may see | Status | What is real |
|---|---|---|
| “ICC Prove and Move Rules” | Not an ICC publication | No such rules |
| “ICC Regulations 400/500/600” | Not ICC regulations | UCP 400 and UCP 500 were earlier LC rules; UCP 600 is current |
| UCP 700 | Not issued | UCP 600 for documentary credits |
| “ICC NCNDA” full texts | Not ICC documents | ICC Model Confidentiality / Non-Circumvention contract, Publication No. 769 |
| Standby rules | Real | ISP98 (International Standby Practices) |
| Delivery terms | Real | Incoterms® 2020 |
How to check a deal that cites ICC rules
- List every rule the documents cite. ICPOs, FCOs, SPAs and bank-instrument offers often quote ICC numbers to look official.
- Compare with ICC’s own list. Real rules are sold and published by ICC (for example via the ICC Store and ICC Knowledge 2 Go). If you cannot find it there, treat it as invented.
- Check the version. A documentary credit should cite UCP 600 (or eUCP for electronic presentations); a standby ISP98 or UCP 600; a demand guarantee URDG 758.
- Ask ICC if in doubt. ICC advises contacting its Commercial Crime Bureau or ICC in Paris to check suspicious proposals.
- Verify the counterparty separately. Fake rule citations often travel with other weak points: unclear company identity, MT799 “proof” and upfront fees.
Red flags
- “Prove and move” procedures where you must show funds or pay before the other side proves anything.
- Claims that a document is “ICC registered” or “ICC approved”. ICC does not register private trade contracts.
- Contracts that say the seller can report you to ICC, Interpol or the FBI for not proceeding.
- Commission agreements described as “ICC protected”.
Related: how to verify an ICPO and SBLC discounting.
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FAQ
Is UCP 700 real?
No. ICC states UCP 700 has not been issued. UCP 600 is the current version for letters of credit.
What are the ICC Prove and Move Rules?
They do not exist. ICC has warned that references to them are a likely sign of a fraudulent proposal.
Is there a real ICC non-circumvention agreement?
ICC publishes a model confidentiality and non-circumvention contract, ICC Publication No. 769. Texts merely labelled 'ICC NCNDA' are not ICC documents.
What should I do if an offer quotes UCP 700?
Treat it as a red flag. Ask for the deal to run under UCP 600 (letters of credit) or ISP98/URDG 758 (standbys and guarantees), and check the seller company before you send anything.
Vanguard Verify is run by Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, Licence 14282. This answer is general information, not legal or financial advice.