Incoterms® are the selling terms that the buyer and seller of goods both agree to during international transactions. These rules are accepted by governments and legal authorities around the world. Understanding Incoterms® is a vital part of International Trade because they clearly state which tasks, costs and risks are associated with the buyer and the seller.
The Incoterms® are a set of 11 individual rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the sale of goods in international transactions. Of primary importance is that each Incoterms rule clarifies the tasks, costs, and risks to be borne by buyers and sellers in these transactions. Familiarizing yourself with Incoterms will help improve smoother transactions by clearly defining who is responsible for what and each step of the transaction. The ICC recommends using Incoterms® 2020 beginning January 1, 2020.
The Incoterms® 2020 rules are updated and grouped into two categories reflecting modes of transport. Of the 11 rules, there are seven for ANY mode(s) of transport and four for SEA or LAND or INLAND WATERWAY transport.
The seven Incoterms® 2020 rules for any mode(s) of transport are:
EXW - Ex Works (insert place of delivery)
FCA - Free Carrier (Insert named place of delivery)
CPT - Carriage Paid to (insert place of destination)
CIP - Carriage and Insurance Paid To (insert place of destination)
DAP - Delivered at Place (insert named place of destination)
DPU - Delivered at Place Unloaded (insert of place of destination)
DDP - Delivered Duty Paid (Insert place of destination).
Note: the DPU Incoterms replaces the old DAT, with additional requirements for the seller to unload the goods from the arriving means of transport.
The four Incoterms® 2020 rules for Sea and Inland Waterway Transport are:
FAS - Free Alongside Ship (insert name of port of loading)
FOB - Free on Board (insert named port of loading)
CFR - Cost and Freight (insert named port of destination)
CIF - Cost Insurance and Freight (insert named port of destination)
Remember, that the Incoterms Clarify Responsibilities of Parties to a Sales Transaction.
