World Cargo Logistics
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Incoterms 2020 — Quick Reference

All 11 International Commercial Terms used by Indian importers and exporters. Pick the right one for your contract to avoid disputes over who pays for what.

EXW
Ex Works
Any

Seller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer handles everything after that — pickup, export clearance, freight, import, delivery.

Risk transfers: Seller's premises
Best for: When buyer wants maximum control over the entire logistics chain.
FCA
Free Carrier
Any

Seller delivers goods to a named place (often their own premises or a freight terminal), cleared for export. Buyer handles freight onwards.

Risk transfers: Named place of delivery
Best for: Common for FCL/LCL container exports — replaces FOB in modern usage.
CPT
Carriage Paid To
Any

Seller pays freight to a named destination. Risk transfers to buyer when seller hands cargo to the first carrier.

Risk transfers: First carrier
Best for: Multimodal shipments where seller arranges main carriage.
CIP
Carriage and Insurance Paid To
Any

Like CPT but seller also buys cargo insurance for the buyer. Now requires insurance at "all-risks" (ICC A) coverage.

Risk transfers: First carrier
Best for: When buyer wants insurance handled by the seller as part of the price.
DAP
Delivered at Place
Any

Seller delivers goods to a named place in the country of import, NOT cleared for import. Buyer handles import duties.

Risk transfers: Named place in import country
Best for: Common for international door-to-door, buyer handles customs.
DPU
Delivered at Place Unloaded
Any

Like DAP but seller is also responsible for unloading at the named place. New in Incoterms 2020 (replaces DAT).

Risk transfers: After unloading at named place
Best for: When the named place requires the seller to organise unloading.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid
Any

Seller delivers goods, fully cleared for import, all duties paid. Maximum seller obligation.

Risk transfers: Buyer's premises
Best for: When buyer wants zero hassle — common for e-commerce and gifts.
FAS
Free Alongside Ship
Sea/Inland Waterway

Seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the named port. Buyer handles loading and onward freight.

Risk transfers: Alongside vessel at port
Best for: Bulk commodities (grain, coal, fertilizer) where vessel-side delivery makes sense.
FOB
Free On Board
Sea/Inland Waterway

Seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port. Risk transfers when goods are on board.

Risk transfers: On board vessel
Best for: Bulk and breakbulk cargo. NOT for containerised cargo (use FCA instead).
CFR
Cost and Freight
Sea/Inland Waterway

Seller pays freight to a named destination port. Risk transfers when goods are on board the vessel.

Risk transfers: On board vessel at origin
Best for: Bulk shipments where seller arranges sea freight.
CIF
Cost, Insurance and Freight
Sea/Inland Waterway

Like CFR but seller also buys marine cargo insurance (minimum ICC C cover required).

Risk transfers: On board vessel at origin
Best for: Most common term for bulk and breakbulk imports into India.

Not sure which Incoterm to use?

Our team helps Indian exporters and importers structure the right Incoterm for every contract.

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