State the rule, place and edition
Use the agreed Incoterms rule with a named place or port and the edition in the sales contract. The three-letter term alone is not enough for an operational quote. Ask the seller and buyer to identify who arranges transport, which costs each party accepts and where delivery occurs.
- Named place appears in the enquiry notes
- Logistics scope matches the commercial agreement
Choose the transport family correctly
ICC lists seven rules for any mode: EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU and DDP; FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF are for sea and inland waterway transport. Do not select a rule solely because it appears familiar in a supplier invoice. Check suitability for the actual handover.
- Sea-only terms need a sea/waterway context
- Check the official rules for contractual detail
Compare the quotation line by line
List pickup, export handling, main carriage, destination handling, import services, duties/taxes and final delivery separately. An Incoterms selection does not itself authorize import or establish a tax amount. Confirm exclusions, currency and the named service provider before booking.
- Unknown charges remain unconfirmed, not zero
- Use the landed-cost planner only for confirmed amounts
Official references
ICC — Incoterms® 2020Check current requirements with the responsible provider for your actual shipment.