Tools · Incoterms

Incoterms, Decoded.

International Commercial Terms like EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, DDP, FOB, and CIF mark the exact point where responsibility for cost, risk, and logistics shifts from seller to buyer.

EXW

Ex Works

The seller's responsibility ends when the goods are made available for pickup at their premises or another named place — the buyer handles transport, export clearance, and risk from that point.

FCA

Free Carrier

The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to a carrier or place nominated by the buyer. Risk transfers once the goods are handed over — works for any mode of transport.

CPT

Carriage Paid To

The seller pays for carriage to the named destination, but risk transfers to the buyer as soon as the goods are handed to the first carrier, not on arrival.

CIP

Carriage and Insurance Paid To

Like CPT, but the seller must also arrange insurance covering the goods for the buyer through to the named destination, at a higher minimum coverage level.

DAT

Delivered at Terminal

The seller delivers when the goods are unloaded at the named terminal — a port, airport, or carrier facility — bearing all risk and cost up to that point.

DAP

Delivered at Place

The seller delivers when the goods are made available to the buyer at the named destination, ready for unloading. The buyer handles unloading and import clearance.

DDP

Delivered Duty Paid

The seller bears all costs and risks — including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance — until the goods reach the named destination. Maximum obligation for the seller.

FOB

Free On Board

The seller bears responsibility for the goods until they are loaded onto the vessel at the specified port. After that point, the buyer assumes responsibility for transport, insurance, and risk. Used for sea and inland waterway transport only.

CIF

Cost, Insurance, and Freight

The seller covers the cost of freight and insurance to transport the goods to the named destination port, though risk transfers to the buyer once goods are loaded at origin. Sea freight only.

Incoterms aren’t automatically legally binding, but they’re widely accepted and used as a standard in international trade contracts. They focus on the logistical side of a transaction — transport, risk, and customs — not on payment terms.

Not Sure Which Term Fits Your Shipment?

Our consulting team can walk through the trade-offs before you finalize your purchase order.