By Maria Livanos Cattaui, Secretary General of ICC The global economy has given businesses broader access than ever before to markets all over the world. Goods are sold in more countries in larger quantities, and in greater variety. But as the volume and complexity of international sales increase, so do possibilities for misunderstandings and costly disputes when sales contracts are not adequately drafted. Incoterms the official ICC rules for the interpretation of trade terms facilitate the conduct of international trade. Reference to Incoterms 2000 in a sales contract defines clearly the parties' respective obligations and reduces the risk of legal. | UCP 600 - INCOTERMS 2000 INCOTERMS 2000 FOREWORD By Maria Livanos Cattaui Secretary General of ICC The global economy has given businesses broader access than ever before to markets all over the world. Goods are sold in more countries in larger quantities and in greater variety. But as the volume and complexity of international sales increase so do possibilities for misunderstandings and costly disputes when sales contracts are not adequately drafted. Incoterms the official ICC rules for the interpretation of trade terms facilitate the conduct of international trade. Reference to Incoterms 2000 in a sales contract defines clearly the parties respective obligations and reduces the risk of legal complications. Since the creation of Incoterms by ICC in 1936 this undisputed worldwide contractual standard has been regularly updated to keep pace with he development of international trade. Incoterms 2000 take account of the recent spread of customs-free zones the increased use of electronic communications in business transactions and changes transport practices. Incoterms 2000 offer a simpler and clearer presentation of the 13 definitions all of which have been revised. The broad expertise of ICC s Commission on International Commercial Practice whose membership is drawn from all parts of the world and all trade sectors ensures that Incoterms 2000 respond to business needs everywhere. ICC would like to express its gratitude to the members of the commission chaired by Prof. Fabio Bortolotti Italy its Working Party on Trade Terms chaired by Prof. Jan Ramberg Sweden and to the drafting group which Sed Prof. Charles Debattista Chairman - UK Robert De Roy Belgium Philippe Rapatout France Jens Bredow Germany and Frank Reynolds US . CONTENTS Mode of transport and the appropriate Incoterm 2000 EXW Ex Works . named place FCA Free Carrier . named place FAS Free Alongside Ship . named port of shipment FOB Free On Board . named port of shipment CFR Cost and Freight . named port of .
