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International Trade & Incoterms® Guide

A master compliance handbook covering international commercial terms (Incoterms 2020), tariff classifications, and CBP customs documentation.

Incoterms® 2020 Reference

Commercial Shipping Terms Explained

Understand liability transfer, freight payment responsibilities, and insurance requirements for international trade contracts.

DDP

Delivered Duty Paid

Seller assumes maximum responsibility, managing origin transport, export clearance, ocean/air freight, customs entry, tariff payments, and delivery to buyer’s door.

FOB

Free On Board

Seller delivers goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers to the buyer once goods are on board.

CIF

Cost, Insurance & Freight

Seller arranges ocean transport and minimum marine insurance to the destination port. Risk transfers to buyer when goods are loaded at origin.

EXW

Ex Works

Buyer assumes maximum responsibility, picking up goods directly from seller’s warehouse and handling all export clearance, transport, and customs duties.

FCA

Free Carrier

Seller delivers goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the buyer at a named location. Very flexible for multi-modal transport.

DAP

Delivered At Place

Seller delivers goods ready for unloading at the named destination place. Buyer is responsible for import customs clearance, tariffs, and taxes.