Understanding Incoterms & How to Use Them | DCL Logistics Help Center (2024)

Please note: Each 3PL may differ when it comes to international shipping. Brands must understand how Incoterms work within DCL’s shipping solution, Connectship. Customers should work closely with Integration Manager/AM’s to understand how to properly add Incoterms with training in the Int_Billing_Review document

Incoterms (international commercial terms), were designed to provide guidance to those participating in the import and export of global trade. These terms specify who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, documentation, customs clearance, and other logistical activities. Incoterms®” is a trademark of International Chamber of Commerce”, registered in several countries.

The International Trade Association (ITA) defines Incoterms as “…a set of 11 individual rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the sale of goods in international transactions”. Of primary importance is that each Incoterms rule clarifies the tasks, costs and risks to be borne by buyers and sellers in these transactions.”

Adding incoterms, which is requried for all international shipping, is extremely helpful to ensuring proper, timely payment of goods and services related the shipments. It is up to the buyer and the seller to agree to each party's responsibilities, as well as the cost and risk of a shipment before it takes place. Most DCL customers shipping internationally will use them. Incoterms were last updated in 2020. Per the ITA, the current/most-recent Incoterms ® 2020 rules are listed below:

The seven Incoterms® 2020 rules for any mode(s) of transport are:

EXW - Ex Works

FCA - Free Carrier

CPT - Carriage Paid To

CIP - Carriage and Insurance Paid To

DAP - Delivered at Place

DPU - Delivered at Place Unloaded

DDP - Delivered Duty Paid

Note: the DPU Incoterms replaces the old DAT, with additional requirement for the seller to unload the goods from the arriving means of transport.

The four Incoterms® 2020 rules for Sea and Inland Waterway Transport are:

FAS - Free Alongside Ship

FOB - Free on Board

CFR - Cost and Freight

CIF - Cost Insurance and Freight

How to determine the best Incoterm for an International order?

In order to decide what Incoterm is best suited for your business or an order, it’s important to spend some time to understand the differences between each term. Below are helpful links to describe more detail for each Incoterm.

During DCL customer integration, International requirements will be determined and documented. Our shipping system will default to DDP automatically if no incoterm or wrong order mapping is provided at the time of order import. Both our shipping system and eCommerce Applications provide a field for the chosen Incoterm to be populated in the order.

Often, DCL customers will most frequently use or request DDP as it is beneficial to the buyer as the the price of the goods purchased includes everything: transport, import clearance, taxes, etc. This term is highly popular in ecommerce for buyer ease as companies strive to make the purchasing process as seamless for their customers as possible. However, due to the many Incoterms options (various countries' customs customer requirements, etc.), it’s always important to clarify which Incoterms you wish to designate, even if you originally selected a default Incoterm. Below is a helpful quick reference chart showing where the responsibilities lie for the buyer/supplier.

Helpful links to learn more:

Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with Incoterms and their meanings, you can make more informed decisions on what Incoterm will be best suited for your international shipments. Doing so will help ensure a seamless experience for you and your end-customers from origin, through all customs ports, and to end destinations worldwide.