Incoterms 2020 Explained

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has recently published its new version of Incoterms 2020. The Incoterms rules help individuals and companies that participate in the import and export of global trade on a daily basis. These essential terms of trade can be found in the newly published guide, now available for purchase from the ICC.

In this Article:

• What does Incoterms do?
• What does Incoterms not do?
• How are Incoterms used?
• What happens to existing contracts?
• Main changes to Incoterms 2020

What does Incoterms do?

• Describes Obligations – Who does what in the transaction; who is responsible for the different parts of a transaction
• Describes Risks – When and where does risk transfer from seller to buyer
• Describes Costs – Who is responsible for the different costs of the transaction

What does Incoterms not do?

• Outline ownership of goods or payment terms
• Provide guidelines for breach of sale
• Outline the effects of sanctions, tariffs, prohibitions, IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) or steamship actions
• Facilitate dispute resolution
• Act as a contract for sale

How are Incoterms used?

Incoterms are provided as a globally accepted set of guidelines that are usable regardless of language or culture. They were established in 1936 as a trade contractual standard and have been updated decennially in an effort to encompass the ever-changing technology and practices in international trade.

Buyers and sellers can utilize any version of Incoterms that has been published; however, they must state which version is being used to ensure that all parties are aware of the ramifications of that version. Incoterms are best used as a reference in contracts. Incoterms, however, do not have any legal weight to them independently, so contractual parties must refer explicitly to which set of Incoterms they wish to use in a contract.

Effective immediately, if a contract uses Incoterms 2020 as a guideline, the newest version should be noted. All commercial invoices should state the agreed upon Incoterms, including the name, place and Incoterms version. 

An example of such would be: ExWorks ABC Company, OceanTown, NY, Incoterms 2020

What happens to existing contracts?

Past versions of Incoterms will continue to apply even if the contract will take place in 2020, unless the contract says otherwise. For contracts entered into before January 1, 2020, it is essential for the parties involved to indicate which set of Incoterms is applicable.

After January 1, 2020, courts and arbitrators can expect that any reference to Incoterms in new contracts is intended to be a reference to Incoterms 2020.

Main changes to Incoterms 2020 from previous versions

• More emphasis on steering the users to use the ?right? Incoterms rule
• Clearer explanations and notes on how to use each Incoterm
• Delivery and risk factors are given more focus in the updated rules
• DAT (Delivered at Terminal) replaced by DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)

Click here for a downloadable chart of the Incoterms 2020 definitions and changes

Our team of global logistics experts are here to help. If you have any questions about how the new version of Incoterms 2020 will impact your business, please contact us today.