Ex Works
Buyer assumes most transport responsibility from the seller’s premises.
International trade reference
Incoterms®
2020.
Eleven globally recognised trade rules that clarify delivery, cost, risk and responsibility between sellers and buyers.
Explore the 11 rules ↓01 / WHY THEY MATTER
Clear terms.
Fewer surprises.
Published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Incoterms® 2020 help parties define the delivery point, transfer of risk, transport costs, insurance obligations and customs responsibilities in B2B contracts for the sale of goods.
They do not replace a sales contract or determine ownership, payment terms or every legal obligation. The chosen rule should always include a precisely named place or port.
02 / THE 11 RULES
Choose by
mode of transport.
Seven rules can be used for any mode or combination of modes. Four are reserved for sea and inland waterway transport.
Any mode or modes of transport
Free Carrier
Seller delivers to the carrier or another named party at the agreed place.
Carriage Paid To
Seller pays carriage to destination; risk transfers when handed to the carrier.
Carriage and Insurance Paid To
CPT responsibilities plus seller-arranged cargo insurance.
Delivered at Place
Seller delivers ready for unloading at the named destination.
Delivered at Place Unloaded
Seller delivers and unloads at the named destination.
Delivered Duty Paid
Seller carries the broadest responsibility, including import clearance and duties.
Sea and inland waterway transport only
Free Alongside Ship
Seller delivers alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment.
Free On Board
Seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the port of shipment.
Cost and Freight
Seller pays ocean freight; risk transfers once goods are on board.
Cost, Insurance and Freight
CFR responsibilities plus seller-arranged minimum insurance cover.
03 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Select with
care.
Start with the journey
Consider the mode, handover point, customs capability and destination before choosing a rule.
Name the exact place
Write the agreed named place or port clearly beside the selected Incoterms® 2020 rule.
Align every document
Keep the contract, commercial invoice, transport instructions and insurance arrangements consistent.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Need help shaping
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This page is a general overview, not legal advice or a substitute for the official ICC rules.