The eighth revision of the Incoterms rules, in other words. the set of rules designed to regulate, in a global manner, the obligations and rights of those involved in international trade, will enter into force on 1 January 2020. In this way, when the parties that have established an international sales contract submit to these terms, both know, independently of their language or place of residence, which are the rules that have to be applied to the signed contract.

The word Incoterm is an acronym that comes from the English expression International Commercial Terms, and are elaborated, and continuously updated, by the International Chamber of Commerce. However, Incoterms lack all normative or legal force, obtaining the recognition of their constant use worldwide, so, in order to be applicable to a particular contract, it must be specified as such. In short, this is a regulation that all companies, without exception, take into account and, in the case of RFL, especially in its international transport services, reefer or customs.

Incoterms 2020

• The 11 are maintained in total with their distribution between intermodal Incoterms and maritime Incoterms. They will continue to be led by classics such as the EXW, the CIF or the FOB.
• The DAT (Delivered At Terminal) is replaced by the new incoterm DPU (Delivered At Place Unloaded) in which it is possible to continue arranging door-to-door transport. Also with the commitment that the seller does not take charge of the tax formalities at destination, but that the recipient takes charge of them.
• In the case of the FCA (Free Carrier-Free Carrier) the new rules include the possibility that the seller can have a copy of the transport document, which is considered essential to prove that delivery has been made.
• As for the CIP (Carrier and Insurance Paid To – Transport and Insurance Paid To), new maximum insurance conditions have now been established, with the coverage of greater risks and the fixing of higher compensation.

CAU

Many international trade experts point out that, in recent times, rules such as the Customs Code of the Union (CAU) have led to mismatches with Incoterms, which are global in scope. That is why many professionals consider that the global should always prevail and not be governed solely by concepts from a European vision.