We still see some clients and buyers/sellers referencing the Incoterms 2010. The Incoterms 2020 were introduced in January 2020, as an update to the earlier 2010 rules and reference to the older rules should be avoided. Unless a contract may state otherwise, a reference to an Incoterm in a contract would be understood as a reference to 2020 Incoterms. Please note that with the 2020 Incoterms, one new term was introduced (DPU – Delivered at Place Unloaded) which essentially replaced DAT – Delivered at Terminal – which was dropped. If you do use DAT (not recommended) then the 2010 meaning will nevertheless apply.

For further information please click here to read an overview of the main changes by David Lowe, Partner at international law firm Gowling WLG and the Global Co-chair of the Incoterms® 2020 drafting group.

There are 11 different Incoterms® 2020 which detail where ultimate responsibility lies for the transport, insurance, duties and clearance of goods.