Incoterms are an internationally recognized set of terms that define the responsibilities and obligations of
the parties involved in the transport of goods. Incoterms are used to clearly communicate the division of
the cost of carriage and risks associated with the international transportation and delivery of goods
between the seller to the buyer.
Incoterms were first introduced in 1936 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as different
practices and legal interpretations between traders around the world necessitated a common set of rules and
guidelines for interpreting the most commonly used terms in foreign trade. Incoterms are revised
periodically, roughly every 10 years, by the ICC to conform to changing trade practices.
It is important to note that the Incoterms of a contract for sale pertain only to the delivery terms (carriage freight costs) and insurability of the product. Incoterms define the respective obligations, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods.
Incoterms by themselves do not:
These items are defined by the terms of the sales contract and the governing law.
