Incoterms are standard trade definitions most commonly used in international sales contracts. Devised and published by the International Chamber of Commerce, they are at the heart of world trade.

Among the best-known Incoterms are EXW (Ex works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), and CPT (Carriage Paid To).

ICC introduced the first version of Incoterms - short for "International Commercial Terms" - in 1936. Since then, ICC expert lawyers and trade practitioners have updated them six times to keep pace with the development of international trade.

Most contracts made after 1 January 2000 will refer to the latest edition of Incoterms, which came into force on that date. The correct reference is to "Incoterms 2000". Unless the parties decide otherwise, earlier versions of Incoterms - like Incoterms 1990 - are still binding if incorporated in contracts that are unfulfilled and date from before 1 January 2000.

Versions of Incoterms preceding the 2000 edition may still be incorporated into future contracts if the parties so agree. However, this is course is not recommended because the latest version is designed to bring Incoterms into line with the latest developments in commercial practice.

INCOTERMS 2000

Group E - Departure

EXW Ex-Works (…named place) Carriage to be arranged by the buyer from the seller’s door. Goods are not cleared for export. Export charges are the responsibility of the consignee. This is the minimum obligation for the seller.

Group F - Main carriage not paid by seller

FCA Free Carrier (…named place) Carriage to be arranged by the seller or the buyer on the buyer’s behalf. Seller delivers goods to the carrier nominated by the seller. FAS Free Alongside Ship (…named port of shipment) Seller delivers the goods alongside the vessel only. Buyer bears all costs and risks from that moment onward. FOB Free on Board (…named port of shipment) Carriage to be arranged by the buyer from port of departure. Only used For ocean or inland waterway transport.

Group C - Main carriage paid by seller

CFR Cost and Freight (…named port of destination) Carriage to be arranged by the seller. Risk transfers from seller to buyer once goods on board vessel. Only used for ocean or inland waterway transport. CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight (…named port of destination) Carriage and insurance to be arranged by the seller. Risk transfers from seller to buyer once goods on board vessel. The seller must procure marine insurance. Only used for ocean or inland waterway transport. CPT Carriage Paid To (…named place of destination) Carriage to be arranged by the seller. Risk transfers from seller to buyer once goods have been delivered to the first carrier (if more than one is utilized). CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid (…named place of destination) Carriage and insurance to be paid by seller. Risk transfers from seller to buyer once goods have been delivered to the carrier. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. CIP is only required to give minimum insurance coverage.

Group D - Arrival

DAF Delivered at Frontier (…named place) Carriage to be arrange by seller. Buyer is responsible for all risk of at the named place at the frontier, but before the customs border of the adjoining country. Customs formalities are the responsibility of the consignee for importation. DES Delivered Ex-Ship (…named port of destination) Carriage to be arranged by seller. Risk transfers from buyer to seller once goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on board the ship. Seller bears all costs to named port before discharging the goods. Customs formalities are the responsibility of the consignee. DEQ Delivered Ex-Quay (…named port of destination) Carriage to be arranged by seller. Risk transfers from buyer to seller once goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the quay. Seller delivers the goods to the named wharf or quay. Customs formalities are the responsibility of the consignee. DDU Delivered Duty Unpaid (…named port of destination) Carriage to be arranged by seller. Risk transfers from buyer to seller once goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer. Seller delivers the goods to the consignee’s door. Customs formalities are the responsibility of the consignee. DDP Delivered Duty Paid (…named port of destination) Carriage to be arranged by seller. Risk transfers from buyer to seller once goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer. Seller delivers the goods cleared for import to the consignee’s door. DDP represents the maximum obligation for the seller.