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Incoterms were developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as part of its goal to
establish uniformity in global trade. Incoterms were created in 1952 to standardize contracts
between buyers and sellers, but they have since been expanded to cover additional facets of global
trade. Incoterms are standardized contract terms that define how goods and services should be
delivered, paid for, and accounted for from one country to another. They provide a standardized set
of rules that are applied when negotiating deals between buyers and sellers around the globe. These
rules help ensure that everything about an international transaction is clear so that both parties
know exactly what's expected from each other before any money changes hands or goods are
shipped across borders. Incoterms are important for several reasons. First, they help ensure that the
seller and buyer have a clear understanding of each other's expectations for the shipping process.
Second, they help ensure that there is consistency among sellers and buyers in terms of how to
interpret the terms of a contract. Third, Incoterms provide a standardized set of rules for
determining when goods are damaged or not damaged after delivery. Finally, Incoterms help ensure
that there is no confusion about who is responsible for paying import taxes or duties when the
goods arrive in country X after being shipped from country Y.
The first term, FAS (Free Alongside Ship), refers to when a seller will make the goods available
for shipment anywhere on board a vessel as soon as they reach port. The second term, FOB (Freight
On Board), means that the seller will be responsible for the delivery of the goods directly to the
buyer once they have reached the port. At that point, the costs, risk, and responsibility will begin to
be shouldered by the buyer and the seller is no longer responsible for it. The third term is CIF (Cost,
Insurance, Freight) shipments, the seller pays all costs associated with transporting the goods from
their location to theirs. This includes paying for transportation costs as well as customs fees if
applicable. If a seller does not have enough money to cover these costs then they may ask for
payment after delivery is made (CIF at the destination). The next term is FCA which means "Free
Carrier" if a shipping company bears all costs related to transporting the goods from their point of
origin to their destination after unloading has been completed. In this case, the seller pays for
transportation only after loading has been completed. Lastly, Delivered Ex Quay (DEQ) means the
seller must put the goods at the buyer's disposal on the quay (wharf) at the port of destination after
arranging and paying for transportation there. Additionally, bulk goods are typically the only items
for which this term is used.