Incoterms 2020 chart
Where the seller's job ends and the buyer's begins, for each of the 11 rules. Always write the rule, the named place and the edition, for example "FOB Busan Incoterms 2020".
| Rule | Delivery and risk pass to the buyer | Main freight paid by | Insurance | Export clearance | Import clearance and duties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any mode | |||||
| EXWEx Works | At the seller's premises, goods made available, not loaded | Buyer | Not required | Buyer | Buyer |
| FCAFree Carrier | Handed to the buyer's carrier at the named place | Buyer | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| CPTCarriage Paid To | Handed to the first carrier in the country of shipment | Seller | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| CIPCarriage and Insurance Paid To | Handed to the first carrier in the country of shipment | Seller | Seller must insure: ICC (A), 110% of value | Seller | Buyer |
| DAPDelivered at Place | At the named destination, ready for unloading | Seller | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| DPUDelivered at Place Unloaded | At the named destination, unloaded | Seller | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| DDPDelivered Duty Paid | At the named destination, ready for unloading | Seller | Not required | Seller | Seller |
| Sea and inland waterway | |||||
| FASFree Alongside Ship | Alongside the ship at the port of shipment | Buyer | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| FOBFree On Board | On board the ship at the port of shipment | Buyer | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| CFRCost and Freight | On board the ship at the port of shipment | Seller | Not required | Seller | Buyer |
| CIFCost, Insurance and Freight | On board the ship at the port of shipment | Seller | Seller must insure: ICC (C), 110% of value | Seller | Buyer |
Container cargo: FCA, CPT and CIP instead of FOB, CFR and CIF
FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF are for goods loaded directly onto a ship. Containers are usually handed over at a terminal days before loading, so the ICC recommends FCA, CPT or CIP for container shipments. That way risk passes when you hand the container over, not when it is lifted on board.
C rules have two critical points
Under CPT, CIP, CFR and CIF the seller pays the freight to the destination, but the risk passes to the buyer in the country of shipment. If the goods are damaged at sea, the buyer claims on the insurance; under CIF and CIP the seller must have arranged that insurance.
What changed in 2020
DAT was renamed DPU and can be any place, not just a terminal. CIP now requires all-risks cover, ICC (A), while CIF still requires only ICC (C). Under FCA the parties can agree that the buyer's carrier issues an on-board bill of lading to the seller, which helps with letters of credit. Sellers and buyers may use their own vehicles instead of hiring a carrier.
Common questions
What is the difference between FOB and CIF?
In both, risk passes to the buyer once the goods are on board at the port of shipment. Under FOB the buyer books and pays the sea freight and insurance. Under CIF the seller pays the freight to the destination port and buys minimum insurance, ICC (C), for 110% of the value.
Is Incoterms 2020 still the current version?
Yes. Incoterms 2020 took effect on 1 January 2020 and is the latest edition. Older editions such as Incoterms 2010 can still be used if the contract names them, which is why you should always write the edition after the rule.
Who pays import duties under DAP?
The buyer. Under DAP and DPU the seller delivers to the destination, but import clearance, duties and taxes are the buyer's. Only under DDP does the seller pay import duties and taxes.