What are Incoterms?

Incoterms are derived from the phrase “International Commercial Terms”, and they are set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) every 10 years. The current edition of these rules is from 2020.

These terms clearly lay out what the buyer and seller are responsible for when handling, transporting, and delivering goods.

As an eCommerce seller, you are free to set your own terms on delivering or shipping your products to your customers.

However, Incoterms are beneficial because they are:

• straightforward about the responsibilities of each party
• standardized
• accepted worldwide

That's why some businesses may prefer including them in their shipping policy, especially for cross-border customers. You will also find Incoterms listed in commercial invoices.

Some common Incoterms you may come across:

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) Incoterms

The seller is responsible for paying the costs and freight shipping necessary to bring the goods to the destination port, in addition to buying insurance against the risk of loss or damage of the goods. This is applicable to sea freight.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Incoterms

The seller is responsible for handling the risks and costs of the shipment, including import duty, freight, and any other charges related to delivery. This is applicable to any mode of transportation (air freight, road, sea freight.) Learn more.

EXW (Ex Works) Incoterms

The seller is only responsible for making the goods available from their warehouse. The buyer is responsible for arranging the full shipment, from the seller’s warehouse to their destination of choice. This is applicable to any mode of transportation (air freight, road, sea freight.)

FOB (Free On Board) Incoterms

Applicable to sea freight, in this case, the seller is responsible for getting the product on the ship and clearing the product for export. The buyer is then responsible for insuring the shipment and handling the importation process, including paying for any import duties.

There are a total of 11 Incoterms which you can learn more about from the International Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, our friends at Freightos have a “plain English” Incoterms guide that you may also find useful!