{"id":944,"date":"2025-12-03T10:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T09:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/noticia\/incoterms-2020-la-regla-que-decide-quien-paga-quien-asume-el-riesgo-y-como-evitar-problemas-en-tus-importaciones-y-exportaciones\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T16:44:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:44:07","slug":"incoterms-2020-the-rule-that-determines-who-pays-who-assumes-the-risk-and-how-to-avoid-problems-in-your-imports-and-exports","status":"publish","type":"noticia","link":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/news\/incoterms-2020-the-rule-that-determines-who-pays-who-assumes-the-risk-and-how-to-avoid-problems-in-your-imports-and-exports\/","title":{"rendered":"INCOTERMS 2020: The rule that determines who pays, who assumes the risk and how to avoid problems in your imports and exports."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ol>\n    <li><a href=\"#What-do-Incoterms-really-regulate\">What do Incoterms really regulate?<\/a>\n        <ul>\n            <li><a href=\"#Who-pays-for-each-stage-of-transport\">Who pays for each stage of transport?<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Who-assumes-the-risk-and-at-what-exact-point-is-it-transferred\">Who assumes the risk and at what exact point is it transferred?<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#What-documents-does-each-party-provide\">What documents does each party provide?<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#What-obligations-does-each-party-assume-before-customs-authorities\">What obligations does each party assume before customs authorities?<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Other-important-aspects\">Other important aspects<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <li><a href=\"#Choosing-the-right-Incoterm-changes-your-entire-operation\">Choosing the right Incoterm changes your entire operation<\/a>\n        <ul>\n            <li><a href=\"#a)-Direct-impact-on-the-final-price\">a) Direct impact on the final price<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#b)-Impact-on-customs\">b) Impact on customs<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#c)-Impact-on-risks\">c) Impact on risks<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#d)-Impact-on-legal-responsibility\">d) Impact on legal responsibility<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <li><a href=\"#Simplified-classification-of-Incoterms-2020\">Simplified classification of Incoterms 2020<\/a>\n    <li><a href=\"#The-most-common-mistakes-we-see-as-customs-agents\">The most common mistakes we see as customs agents<\/a>\n        <ul>\n            <li><a href=\"#Using-EXW\">Using EXW when the exporter does not have sufficient knowledge to manage the customs office of exit<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Using-FOB\">Using FOB for cargo that is not 100% maritime or containerised<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Thinking-that-CIF-protects-the-buyer\">Thinking that CIF protects the buyer<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Choosing-an-Incoterm-because-it-has-always-been-used-this-way\">Choosing an Incoterm because \u201cit has always been used this way\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <li><a href=\"#How-to-choose-the-right-Incoterm-for-your-company\">How to choose the right Incoterm for your company?<\/a>\n    <li><a href=\"#Professional-recommendation-avoid-EXW-and-use-FCA\">Professional recommendation: avoid EXW and use FCA<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In international trade, <strong>80% of operational, customs and legal problems<\/strong> arise from choosing the wrong Incoterm. Delays, unexpected extra costs, goods held at customs, contractual disputes or even the loss of cargo could have been avoided with the correct definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Incoterms 2020<\/strong>, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), universally establish <strong>who assumes costs, risks and obligations<\/strong> at each stage of transport. They are not contracts, but they are the <strong>operational legal basis<\/strong> of any international sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"294\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1.webp\" alt=\"INCOTERMS 2020 table\" class=\"wp-image-754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1.webp 983w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1-300x90.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1-768x230.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-do-Incoterms-really-regulate\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>What do Incoterms really regulate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each Incoterm rule precisely defines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Who-pays-for-each-stage-of-transport\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Who pays for each stage of transport?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International freight, port costs, handling, clearance, insurance, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Who-assumes-the-risk-and-at-what-exact-point-is-it-transferred\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Who assumes the risk and at what exact point is it transferred?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This point is <strong>key<\/strong>, because at a specific moment in the process, the seller pays and is responsible; once that stage ends, the buyer pays and assumes responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-documents-does-each-party-provide\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>What documents does each party provide?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Incoterm defines the documents that must be provided by each party: commercial invoice, B\/L, AWB, insurance, cargo declaration, packing list, certificates, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-obligations-does-each-party-assume-before-customs-authorities\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>What obligations does each party assume before customs authorities?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, for example, it is essential to know who will assume the taxes in the country of origin and destination.&nbsp; A poor definition is not a minor detail; it is a guaranteed conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Other-important-aspects\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Other important aspects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The transfer of ownership rights over the goods<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The consequences of contractual breach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exemptions from liability in the event of unforeseeable circumstances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These must be resolved in other contractual clauses or under the applicable law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Choosing-the-right-Incoterm-changes-your-entire-operation\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>Choosing the right Incoterm changes your entire operation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before closing any commercial agreement, we need to know which Incoterm is most suitable for the operation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc-1024x579.webp\" alt=\"Incoterms 2020. International trade.\" class=\"wp-image-728 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc-1024x579.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc-300x170.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc-768x434.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc-1536x869.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cargo-ship-and-truck-at-seaport-waiting-for-contai-2025-03-13-14-11-15-utc.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a)-Direct-impact-on-the-final-price\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>a) Direct impact on the final price<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Incoterm determines which costs are included in the price and which are not. A poorly negotiated rule can increase the cost of a product by up to <strong>12\u201318%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"b)-Impact-on-customs\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>b) Impact on customs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the Incoterm does not match the documentation submitted in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/news\/what-is-the-sad-and-why-is-it-mandatory\/\">the SAD<\/a>, Customs may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Claim differences in value,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impose penalties,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold the goods,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Initiate a customs value review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"c)-Impact-on-risks\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>c) Impact on risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing an Incoterm under which your company assumes risks it cannot control may leave you without coverage in the event of damage, delays or loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"d)-Impact-on-legal-responsibility\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>d) Impact on legal responsibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Incoterm is automatically incorporated into the sales contract, <strong>becoming your legal obligation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Simplified-classification-of-Incoterms-2020\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>Simplified classification of Incoterms 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>EXW \u2013 The buyer controls the entire process from the supplier\u2019s premises<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suitable only for very simple domestic operations. In exports, it is not recommended due to customs risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FCA \/ FOB \u2013 The critical point is delivery to the carrier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FCA<\/strong>: the seller delivers at their warehouse or at an agreed point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>FOB<\/strong>: delivery on board the vessel (sea transport only).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CIF \/ CFR \/ CPT \/ CIP \u2013 The seller pays for transport, but the risk is transferred earlier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A common mistake made by buyers: <strong>they believe CIF protects them<\/strong>, but the risk passes <strong>when the goods cross the ship\u2019s rail<\/strong>, not when they arrive at destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DAP \/ DPU \/ DDP \u2013 The seller delivers at destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More convenient for the buyer, but with significant customs implications under DDP.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc-1024x613.webp\" alt=\"Incoterms 2020. International trade.\" class=\"wp-image-726 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc-1024x613.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc-300x180.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc-768x460.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc-1536x920.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freight-containers-on-a-terminal-with-turkey-and-b-2024-11-27-19-31-05-utc.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"The-most-common-mistakes-we-see-as-customs-agents\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>The most common mistakes we see as customs agents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Using-EXW\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Using EXW when the exporter does not have sufficient knowledge to manage the customs office of exit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common outcome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Export rejections,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspections,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentary inconsistencies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalties for lack of traceability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Using-FOB\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Using FOB for cargo that is not 100% maritime or containerised<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICC recommends <strong>FCA<\/strong> for containers; the FOB Incoterm creates conflicts over who assumes damage at the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Thinking-that-CIF-protects-the-buyer\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Thinking that CIF protects the buyer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The buyer receives the insurance, yes, but the risk is transferred <strong>before transport<\/strong>. If the damage occurs after loading, <strong>the seller is no longer responsible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Choosing-an-Incoterm-because-it-has-always-been-used-this-way\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Choosing an Incoterm because \u201cit has always been used this way\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every contract, every customer, every port and every customs authority requires a different technical decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How-to-choose-the-right-Incoterm-for-your-company\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>How to choose the right Incoterm for your company?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc-1024x639.webp\" alt=\"Incoterms 2020. International trade.\" class=\"wp-image-724 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc-1024x639.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc-300x187.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc-768x480.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc-1536x959.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sustainable-logistics-planning-in-a-container-yard-2025-07-27-15-28-52-utc.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The main variables to consider are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Negotiate the Incoterm before negotiating the price.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Define who really controls each stage of transport.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assess technical, customs and financial risks.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identify who has better access to shipping lines, freight rates or customs clearance.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm whether there are customs or health restrictions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Omnia Aduanas, we see companies every day that <strong>lose margin or become legally exposed<\/strong> because they have not chosen the right rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Professional-recommendation-avoid-EXW-and-use-FCA\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>Professional recommendation: avoid EXW and use FCA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Spanish and European exporters, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/news\/fca-the-incoterm-that-protects-the-exporter-and-avoids-the-risks-of-exw\/\">we recommend <strong>moving from EXW to FCA<\/strong><\/a>, because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FCA allows you to <strong>control customs<\/strong>, avoiding penalties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It ensures that <strong>documentary traceability<\/strong> remains in the hands of the exporter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reduces risks regarding the buyer\u2019s carrier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It improves logistics and reputational control before authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":731,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[]},"class_list":["post-944","noticia","type-noticia","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticia\/944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticia"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/noticia"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}