Reviewed and updated on 13 August 2026
Before the contract
Verify the counterparty, signatory authority, production capability and bank details. Samples and inspections help confirm the goods, while the specification should record quality, packaging, marking and required documents.
Delivery terms
Incoterms rules allocate selected costs, tasks and risks, but do not govern payment or transfer of ownership. State the rule version and named place, then align it with transport booking, customs and insurance.
Build the complete chain
- describe the product and check restrictions;
- agree price, currency and payment schedule;
- identify classification and permits;
- compare routes and cost responsibility;
- review documents before dispatch;
- allow for exchange-rate, storage and schedule changes.
Build a transaction matrix first
Allocate responsibility for product preparation, export, main transport, insurance, import, duties, final delivery and unloading. An Incoterms® rule helps describe part of this allocation but does not replace contract clauses on quality, payment, ownership, liability and disputes.
| Area | Control question |
|---|---|
| Supplier | Are registration, authority, production and bank details verified? |
| Product | Do specification, marking and evidence meet destination requirements? |
| Delivery | Are the named place, Incoterms® edition, dates and risk transfer clear? |
| Payment | Is payment linked to verifiable milestones? |
| Compliance | Have restrictions, end use and transaction parties been screened? |
Landed cost
Add packaging, inland transport, export documents, freight, insurance, terminals, customs payments, representation, storage, banking and delivery to the purchase price. Keep product names, quantities, value, origin and delivery terms consistent across the contract, invoice, packing list and transport documents.
Official sources
- International Chamber of Commerce: Incoterms® 2020.
- Eurasian Economic Commission: EAEU Customs Code.