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What is the role of Incoterms?

Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 5:18 am
by tanjimajuha20
it possible to establish the distribution of risks between the parties during the transport of the goods. If you would like to know more about Incoterms, we offer you a simplified definition as well as a detailed presentation of their role. Also discover the meaning of the 11 official Incoterms with a definition of the fields of application between sellers, buyers and carriers.

Incoterms: definition
Incoterms define the obligations of sellers and buyers in the context of an international transaction such as a purchase/sale contract. The duties of both parties are thus set out. The term "Incoterm" has its origin in the English: International Commercial Terms, abbreviated to IN. CO. TERMS. This series of words essentially translates the distribution of costs as well as risks between the parties in terms of transfer and transport of a product.

Each Incoterm is ios database represented by an acronym that provides a sketch of the obligations of the parties that engage in an international sale. When establishing a sales contract, it is not mandatory to formulate Incoterms. However, it is recommended. Furthermore, it is important to know that they are not able to define the point of transfer of ownership. In fact, only the payment of the goods in full allows this transfer of ownership to be validated.

Incoterms are among the topics covered in the MBA Supply Chain . This course aims to provide excellent training in logistics performance. The skills to be acquired offer international influence.


Incoterms govern commercial management at the level of international trade between two parties. Many risks can influence this transaction such as supply times, modes of transport or even exchange risks. There are no international laws that clearly define the rights and duties of sellers and buyers who operate in a perimeter that goes beyond the borders of each.

To address this shortcoming, Incoterms were created and provide a common framework to define and share the responsibilities of each party while facilitating communication. Another subtlety is that they make it possible to specify the moment when the risk is transferred.

Sellers must define in advance which Incoterms are likely to correspond to the needs of buyers. The call for tenders must specify the Incoterms so that potential suppliers can build precise and transparent pricing. Sometimes, it is the suppliers who impose on buyers the Incoterms that they deem appropriate to use.

The role of Incoterms is essential in the supply chain . It is the logistics chain that defines a set of procedures and processes that are used by companies to accomplish their commercial missions, particularly with consumers.