Incoterms
EXW (Ex Works): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The minimum-obligation rule: what EXW actually transfers to the buyer, why it breaks down in cross-border trade, and the FCA alternative.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Incoterms
The 11 rules that define who bears what — and when
Every Incoterms 2020 rule explained — risk transfer points, cost allocation, documentation duties, and the mistakes that turn a standard term into a dispute.
10 guides in this collection
10 guides
Incoterms
EXW (Ex Works): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The minimum-obligation rule: what EXW actually transfers to the buyer, why it breaks down in cross-border trade, and the FCA alternative.
6 min read
Incoterms
FCA (Free Carrier): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The ICC's recommended rule for container trade: how FCA works, its two delivery scenarios, and why it should replace FOB for most shipments.
6 min read
Incoterms
FOB (Free On Board): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The world's most quoted trade term — how FOB actually works, the ship's-rail problem with containers, and when FOB still wins.
6 min read
Incoterms
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The cost/risk split that confuses everyone: CIF pays freight to destination but transfers risk at origin — plus the minimum-insurance trap.
6 min read
Incoterms
CFR (Cost and Freight): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
CIF minus insurance: how CFR splits freight cost from cargo risk, and when buyers with their own insurance programs should prefer it.
6 min read
Incoterms
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
Maximum seller obligation: what DDP really commits the seller to, the import-clearance and VAT traps, and when DDP is the right quote.
6 min read
Incoterms
CPT (Carriage Paid To): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The multimodal CFR: how CPT splits carriage cost from transit risk at the first-carrier handover, and when it beats sea-only rules.
6 min read
Incoterms
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
CIF's multimodal twin with all-risk cover: how CIP works, the 2020 insurance upgrade, and why it's the default C-group rule for containers.
6 min read
Incoterms
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The only Incoterm where the seller unloads: how DPU works, how it differs from DAP and DDP, and the unloading-risk calculus.
6 min read
Incoterms
DAT (Delivered at Terminal): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The legacy rule behind DPU: what DAT meant, why the ICC replaced it, and how to handle DAT references in older contracts.
6 min read
Latest guides
Incoterms
FCA (Free Carrier): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The ICC's recommended rule for container trade: how FCA works, its two delivery scenarios, and why it should replace FOB for most shipments.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Incoterms
FOB (Free On Board): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The world's most quoted trade term — how FOB actually works, the ship's-rail problem with containers, and when FOB still wins.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Incoterms
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
The cost/risk split that confuses everyone: CIF pays freight to destination but transfers risk at origin — plus the minimum-insurance trap.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Incoterms
CFR (Cost and Freight): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
CIF minus insurance: how CFR splits freight cost from cargo risk, and when buyers with their own insurance programs should prefer it.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Incoterms
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Complete Incoterms® 2020 Guide
Maximum seller obligation: what DDP really commits the seller to, the import-clearance and VAT traps, and when DDP is the right quote.
6 min Jun 22, 2026
Read Trade Briefing
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Incoterms — frequently asked questions
Incoterms are the ICC's standardized trade terms defining seller and buyer responsibilities for delivery, risk transfer, costs, and documentation in international sales. The current version is Incoterms 2020, containing 11 rules.
Explore related topics
InsuranceProtecting cargo, credit, and liability across bordersEscrowNeutral payment protection for international tradeVerificationConfirming who you trade with — before you commitTrade FinancePayment instruments and financing for global tradeShippingOcean, air, and container logistics explainedCustomsClearance, documentation, and compliance
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