Incoterms: clarify responsibility before the freight moves.
Use this as a conversation checklist, not legal advice. The selected Incoterm, named place and sales contract must be reviewed for the actual transaction.
Buyer usually takes responsibility very early in the origin journey.
Confirm factory pickup, export handling and who can act for export formalities.
Seller typically delivers to the agreed export port stage under the contract.
Confirm named port, local charges and the exact handoff point.
Seller arranges ocean freight and insurance to the named destination port under the contract.
Confirm destination charges, import clearance and inland delivery responsibility.
Seller assumes a broad delivery responsibility to the named destination under the contract.
Confirm eligibility, duties/taxes treatment, importer requirements and final delivery scope in writing.
Write the named place, scope and responsibilities into the commercial agreement.
Incoterms do not replace a complete sales contract and do not automatically solve customs eligibility, payment, insurance or local regulatory requirements.
Discuss shipment scope