What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International (2024)

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In the landscape of international commerce, a total of 11 Incoterms facilitate global trade by defining the roles and responsibilities of buyers and sellers. Among these, 7 are designated as Universal Incoterms due to their applicability across all modes of transportation, including air, sea, and land. This guide focuses on these versatile terms, providing an in-depth understanding within the broader scope of all 11 Incoterms.

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What are the 7 Universal Incoterms?

Want to learn more about a specific Incoterm? Click the relevant box below to be taken to a detailed guide.

EXW (Ex Works)
FCA (Free Carrier)
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
CPT (Carriage Paid To)
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DAP (Delivered at Place)
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)

The Seven Universal Incoterms

There are seven universal Incoterms that apply to all types of freight: EXW, FCA, CIP, CPT, DDP, DAP, DPU:

  • EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the goods available at their premises. The buyer is responsible for all transportation costs and risks.
  • FCA (Free Carrier): The seller hands over the goods, cleared for export, into the custody of the first carrier at the named place.
  • CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): The seller pays for the carriage and insurance to the named destination point, but risk transfers to the buyer upon handing goods over to the first carrier.
  • CPT (Carriage Paid To): The seller pays for transporting the goods to the destination, but the risk transfers to the buyer when the goods are handed over to the first carrier.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the buyer’s country and pays all costs in bringing the goods to the destination including import duties and taxes.
  • DAP (Delivered at Place): The seller delivers the goods to a named destination, ready for unloading at the buyer’s risk and cost.
  • DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded): The seller delivers and unloads the goods at a named place. The risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are unloaded.

The Role of the Seven Universal Incoterms in Harmonising Global Trade

Universal Incoterms are fundamental in harmonizing the process of global trade. By standardising terms, they reduce misunderstandings and disputes, leading to smoother transactions. Understanding these terms is crucial for businesses to negotiate better deals, manage risks effectively, and comply with international trade laws.

Key Aspects and Implications of the Universal Incoterms in International Trade

The 7 Universal Incoterms, crucial for global trade across various transportation modes, encompass essential guidelines for buyers and sellers in handling transportation risks, costs, and responsibilities.

  1. Versatility and Adaptability: These Incoterms are applicable to air, sea, and land transport, offering consistency in international logistics.
  2. Risk and Cost Transfer: They specify the exact points of risk and cost transfer from sellers to buyers, crucial for clear contractual agreements.
  3. Customs and Compliance: Clarifying responsibilities for customs clearance and adherence to international trade laws, these terms help prevent disputes and ensure compliance.
  4. Insurance Responsibilities: Certain terms like CIP outline specific insurance obligations during transit, providing security and clarity in trade transactions.
  5. Legal and Strategic Considerations: Understanding these Incoterms aids in legal compliance and enhances negotiation strategies in global trade.

Freight Forwarding

As a freight forwarding company, we act as a bridge between businesses and the world of logistics. We understand that shipping goods from one place to another can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with different modes of transportation, customs regulations, and documentation requirements. That’s where we come in.

Our dedicated team of experts works tirelessly to handle every aspect of the shipping process. We collaborate with our clients to understand their unique needs and tailor our services accordingly. Whether it’s arranging transportation, coordinating with carriers, or managing customs clearance, we take care of it all.

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Air Freight

When businesses choose our air freight services, they benefit from our extensive network of airline partners and industry connections. We work closely with major airlines and cargo carriers to ensure that our clients’ goods are transported swiftly and safely to their destinations.

Our comprehensive air freight services encompass various aspects, including documentation, customs clearance, and tracking. We take care of all the necessary paperwork, such as airway bills and customs forms, to ensure compliance with international regulations. Our dedicated staff handles customs procedures, ensuring smooth clearance and minimising any potential delays.

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Land Freight

One of the key advantages of land freight is its versatility and accessibility. We offer flexible solutions tailored to meet our clients’ specific needs. Whether it’s full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, we optimise routes and consolidate cargo to maximise efficiency and minimise costs.

Our experienced team coordinates all aspects of land freight, from route planning to documentation and customs clearance. We handle the necessary paperwork, such as bills of lading and customs forms, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and requirements. Our expertise in customs procedures helps streamline the clearance process, reducing any potential delays.

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Sea Freight

Real-time tracking is an integral part of our sea freight services. We provide advanced tracking systems that allow our clients to monitor their shipments’ progress from departure to arrival. This visibility enables businesses to plan their operations efficiently and keep their customers informed about delivery schedules.

Additionally, we offer value-added services to complement our sea freight solutions. These include warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management. With strategically located warehouses and efficient inventory management, we help businesses optimize their logistics operations and ensure smooth transitions between transportation modes.

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Specialist Freight

When businesses choose our specialist freight services, they benefit from our expertise and experience in handling specific types of cargo or specialised transportation needs. Whether it’s oversized, hazardous, temperature-sensitive, high-value, or delicate goods, we have the knowledge and capabilities to ensure their safe and secure transportation.

Our extensive network of trusted carriers and logistics partners enables us to offer tailored solutions for specialised freight. We collaborate with industry experts and specialised carriers who have the necessary equipment, certifications, and experience to handle unique cargo requirements.

Read more about specialist freight

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For sixty years, John Pipe International have been a diligent provider of export services. Based in the South of England, we are fully equipped to handle your export packing and freight needs. Whether you’re shipping overseas or packing dangerous items, our team are on hand to assist with the logistics of your project. With our MPAS certification, we are happy to assist with military and defence exports.

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It takes a dedicated team to manage global logistics. The John Pipe International management team have years of experience and background knowledge. Find out more about the people who will manage your export project..

What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International (29)

Jon Bradley

Director

Jon joined us more than 25 years ago from a strong engineering and manufacturing background. His appreciation of machinery and processes can provide assurance to our customers from packaging design to delivery, linking all the different logistical elements to ensure goods are packed, handled and exported in the safest and most efficient way.

What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International (30)

Nathan Kennedy

Managing Director

Nathan was approved by the MoD as a Military packaging designer in 2012, after qualifying as a Military packaging professional. Coupled with his Dangerous Goods in Transit qualification, Nathan can apply this knowledge and experience to ensure any goods are packed in tried and tested containers.

What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International (31)

Jon Felton

Director

Jon is the Works Director for John Pipe International, based at the Hampshire branch. He has been a logistics professional for over 25 years and has held management positions in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. This has allowed him to build strong customer relationships and offer a comprehensive service package for packing and shipping to our clients.

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What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International (2024)

FAQs

What are the 7 Universal Incoterms and What Do They Mean? Universal Incoterms Explained | John Pipe International? ›

The Seven Universal Incoterms

What are the 7 Incoterms? ›

Incoterms® for all modes of transport
  • Ex Works (EXW)
  • Free Carrier (FCA)
  • Carriage Paid To (CPT)
  • Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP)
  • Delivered at Place (DAP)
  • Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU)
  • Deliver Duty Paid (DDP)

What are the Incoterms and their meanings? ›

[27MB] Incoterms, widely-used terms of sale, are a set of 11 internationally recognized rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers. Incoterms specify who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, documentation, customs clearance, and other logistical activities.

What are the 11 Incoterms explained? ›

List of Incoterms explained. Incoterms are categorized into two main groups to facilitate understanding and application in international trade: 7 rules for any mode of transport (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP). 4 rules for sea and inland waterway transport (FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF).

How many types of Incoterms are there? ›

Currently, there are 11 different incoterms. Each type is divided into four groups: E, F, C and D. These categories are determined by the delivery location and who is responsible for covering the cost of each part of the journey. The groups are then split into sub-categories which refer to various scenarios.

What are the universal Incoterms? ›

The Seven Universal Incoterms

There are seven universal Incoterms that apply to all types of freight: EXW, FCA, CIP, CPT, DDP, DAP, DPU: EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the goods available at their premises. The buyer is responsible for all transportation costs and risks.

What are the 11 Incoterms PDF? ›

For more information about all of the incoterm rule definitions, you can check out our Incoterms Glossary, highlighting the detail on all of 11 Incoterm international shipping regulations. EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP for any mode of transport. FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF for sea and inland waterway transport.

What are the most common Incoterms? ›

According to the U.S. Commercial Service, “The most common Incoterms are EXW (Ex Works); FOB (Free On Board); CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight); CPT (Carriage Paid To); DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid); and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).”1 This causes concern as the term DDU was replaced in the latest revision of these ...

How do I know what Incoterms to use? ›

Many factors may influence which Incoterms to use for your cargo, either as a seller or a buyer:
  1. Type of goods. When thinking about how to choose Incoterms for export and import, consider the way your goods will be shipped and how they will be handled, loaded and unloaded in transport. ...
  2. Bargaining power. ...
  3. Customs experience.

What do EXW Incoterms mean? ›

Incoterms. When goods are bought or sold "Ex Works" (EXW) it means that the Seller is making the goods available at their factory or warehouse. The buyer is then free to come and pick up the goods. Ex Works places full responsibility for cost and risk with the buyer, as the buyer has to arrange everything.

What are Incoterms in a nutshell? ›

What are Incoterms simply explained? Incoterms provide a set of rules that are clearly defined for all parties. If an Incoterm is agreed upon when selling a good, it defines the rights and obligations of the parties with regard to the cost and risk of shipping.

What are the 11 Incoterms 2010 rules? ›

2. Classification of the 11 Incoterms® 2010 rules
  • EXW EX WORKS.
  • FCA FREE CARRIER.
  • CPT CARRIAGE PAID TO.
  • CIP CARRIAGE AND INSURANCE PAID TO.
  • DAT DELIVERED AT TERMINAL.
  • DAP DELIVERED AT PLACE.
  • DDP DELIVERED DUTY PAID.
Jan 5, 2017

What does FOB mean? ›

FOB stands for “free on board” or “freight on board” and is a designation that is used to indicate when liability and ownership of goods is transferred from a seller to a buyer. Free on Board: Free on board indicates whether the seller or the buyer is liable for goods that are damaged or destroyed during shipping.

What are the 6 major Incoterms? ›

In this article, we will delve into the basics of Incoterms, focusing on six commonly used terms: Ex Works (EXW), Free On Board (FOB), Cost and Freight (CFR), Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF), Delivered At Place (DAP), and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).

How to classify Incoterms? ›

There are 11 Incoterms, these Incoterms are divided into different categories. The categories are based on costs, risks, and delivery location. Different situations are also examined per category, for example when freight is transported by sea. The categories are E, F, C and D.

What are the latest Incoterms for 2024? ›

Incoterms are updated by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) about every 10 years. Interestingly, no particular Incoterms for 2023 or 2024 exist. The Incoterms 2020 applies to shipments that are currently taking place. Expect the next major Incoterms update in 2030.

What are the current Incoterms? ›

An overview of the 11 Incoterms® used in 2024
  • EXW | Ex-Works or Ex-Warehouse.
  • FCA | Free to Carrier.
  • FAS | Free Alongside Ship.
  • FOB | Free On Board.
  • CFR | Cost and Freight.
  • CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight.
  • CPT | Carriage Paid To.
  • CIP | Carriage And Insurance Paid To.
Jan 31, 2024

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