All 11 terms in one chart
Green — costs are borne by the seller, grey — by the buyer. Click a term to see its explanation and the point where risk transfers.
| Select a term | Packaging | Loading | Inland to port | Export customs | Origin terminal | Main carriage | Insurance | Destination terminal | Delivery to consignee | Import duties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXWEx Works | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| FCAFree Carrier | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| FASFree Alongside Ship | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| FOBFree on Board | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CFRCost and Freight | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIFCost, Insurance and Freight | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CPTCarriage Paid To | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Not required | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIPCarriage and Insurance Paid To | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| DAPDelivered at Place | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Not required | Seller | Seller | Buyer |
| DPUDelivered at Place Unloaded | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Not required | Seller | Seller | Buyer |
| DDPDelivered Duty Paid | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller | Not required | Seller | Seller | Seller |
At the seller's premises, when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal
Minimum obligation for the seller. The buyer arranges everything, including export clearance.
When the goods are handed over to the carrier nominated by the buyer
The most practical term for containerised cargo. Replaces FOB when goods move in a container.
When the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the port of shipment
Sea and inland waterway transport only. Suited to bulk cargo, not containers.
When the goods are on board the vessel at the port of shipment
The classic sea term. For containerised cargo FCA is safer.
On board at the port of shipment — even though the seller pays the freight
Note: costs and risk transfer at different points. The cargo sails at the buyer’s risk.
On board at the port of shipment
The seller must insure the cargo, but only at minimum cover (Institute Cargo Clauses C).
When the goods are handed to the first carrier — not at destination
Works for any mode of transport. Risk passes much earlier than costs.
When the goods are handed to the first carrier
Since 2020 the seller must provide extended insurance cover (ICC A).
At the named place, with the goods ready for unloading
Unloading and import clearance are the buyer’s responsibility.
At the named place once the goods are unloaded
New in Incoterms 2020: replaces the former DAT. The only term where the seller unloads the goods.
At the named place, when the goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal
Maximum obligation for the seller: import duties and VAT are on the seller.
This chart is for reference. The terms of a particular deal are set by the contract — before signing, make sure the term matches the substance of the transaction.
Volumetric weight calculator
The freight price is set by the greater of two figures: actual or volumetric weight. Each mode of transport has its own conversion factor.
The chargeable weight is the greater of actual and volumetric weight — the price is based on it.
Unit conversion
The conversions most often needed when working with suppliers in the US and Asia.
Useful for road freight
- 1 loading metre (LDM) ≈ 1,750 kg of cargo in a 13.6 m trailer
- Standard curtainsider: 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.7 m, about 90 m³ — 33 euro pallets, up to 24 t
- Euro pallet 80 × 120 cm = 0.4 LDM; FIN pallet 100 × 120 cm = 0.5 LDM