What Are Incoterms?

International commerce terms, more commonly known as Incoterms, are a set of international rules for the interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms in foreign trade. These terms are published by the International Chamber of Commerce, and are used to help traders avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers.

Coming into full effect on January 1, 2011, there are two (2) main changes to Incoterms 2010 from the 2000 publication. Instead of 13 Incoterms, there are only 11, with two (2) new additions (DAP and DAT) and four (4) deletions (DAF, DDU, DEQ and DES). In contrast to the previous four classes, E,F,C and D, Incoterms will now be separated into 2 groups; those applicable to all modes of transport and those only applicable to maritime transport.

Incoterms 2010 also takes into account the importance of cargo security, as well as the 2004 revision of the United States' Uniform Commercial Code, which resulted in a deletion of the former U.S. shipment and delivery terms. The revised Incoterms rules also reflect the adoption in 2009 by insurance markets of the revised Institute Cargo Clauses (LMA/IUA) (2009).

Video | Drop Shipping Part 2 | Using Incoterms® To Your Benefit

The 11 Rules Are:

Any Mode Of Transportation Other Than Maritime:

‍EXW Ex Works (named place)

‍FCA Free Carrier (named places)

‍CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)

‍CIP Carriage And Insurance Paid To (named place of destination)

‍DAT Delivered At Terminal (named destination place)

‍DAP Delivered At Place (named destination place)

‍DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named destination place)

Maritime Transportation:

‍FAS Free Alongside Ship (named loading port)

‍FOB Free On Board (named loading port)

‍CFR Cost And Freight (named destination port)

‍CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight (named destination port)

To a customs broker the correct usage of these terms on shipment documentation can identify the Importer of Record and potential deductions to the declared value for duty.

Is your organization comfortable using Incoterms? If so, what do you find are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using them?

Seminar: How To Choose The Best Incoterm