INCOTERMS 2010

Incoterms® – International Commercial Terms

The Incoterms® rules are an internationally recognized standard and are used worldwide in international and domestic contracts for the sale of goods. First published in 1936, Incoterms® rules provide internationally accepted definitions and rules of interpretation for most common commercial terms.

The rules have been developed and maintained by experts and practitioners brought together by ICC and have become the standard in international business rules setting. They help traders avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers. Incoterms® rules are recognized by UNCITRAL as the global standard for the interpretation of the most common terms in foreign trade.

It is to be noted that all contracts made under INCOTERMS® 2000 remain valid even after 2011. Moreover, although we recommend using Incoterms® 2010 after 2011, parties to a contract for the sale of goods can agree to choose any version of the Incoterms rules after 2011. It is important however to clearly specify the chosen version INCOTERMS® 2010, INCOTERMS® 2000 or any earlier version.