Incoterms 2010 vs 2020: The Differences
The syllabus names the 2010 edition; ICC's current one is 2020. Same 11 rules, a few changes that get tested.
The CCFE syllabus lists INCOTERMS 2010, because that is the edition the IIBF courseware was written around. ICC has since issued Incoterms 2020, in force from 1 January 2020, and it is the current edition. Both have 11 rules, and ten of them carry the same names, so the differences are easy to miss and easy to test.
This page sets the two editions side by side. Answer exam questions from the courseware's edition, and apply the 2020 edition when you read a live contract, unless the contract itself names 2010.
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The Two Editions Side by Side
In force from
Incoterms 2010
1 January 2011
Incoterms 2020
1 January 2020
Number of rules
Incoterms 2010
11
Incoterms 2020
11
Delivery at destination, unloaded
Incoterms 2010
DAT (Delivered at Terminal)
Incoterms 2020
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
Insurance under CIP
Incoterms 2010
Minimum cover, as under CIF
Incoterms 2020
Institute Cargo Clauses (A), the broad cover, unless agreed otherwise
Insurance under CIF
Incoterms 2010
Minimum cover
Incoterms 2020
Unchanged: Institute Cargo Clauses (C), the minimum level
FCA and on-board bill of lading
Incoterms 2010
No provision
Incoterms 2020
Parties may agree that the buyer instructs its carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to the seller
Carriage by own transport
Incoterms 2010
Assumed a third-party carrier
Incoterms 2020
Recognises that a party may carry the goods itself
Security requirements
Incoterms 2010
Less detailed
Incoterms 2020
More detailed security obligations in articles A4 and A7
Costs
Incoterms 2010
Not consolidated in one article
Incoterms 2020
Listed together in articles A9 and B9
| Point | Incoterms 2010 | Incoterms 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| In force from | 1 January 2011 | 1 January 2020 |
| Number of rules | 11 | 11 |
| Delivery at destination, unloaded | DAT (Delivered at Terminal) | DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) |
| Insurance under CIP | Minimum cover, as under CIF | Institute Cargo Clauses (A), the broad cover, unless agreed otherwise |
| Insurance under CIF | Minimum cover | Unchanged: Institute Cargo Clauses (C), the minimum level |
| FCA and on-board bill of lading | No provision | Parties may agree that the buyer instructs its carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to the seller |
| Carriage by own transport | Assumed a third-party carrier | Recognises that a party may carry the goods itself |
| Security requirements | Less detailed | More detailed security obligations in articles A4 and A7 |
| Costs | Not consolidated in one article | Listed together in articles A9 and B9 |
The Changes That Matter Most
- DAT became DPU
- DAT required delivery, unloaded, at a terminal. ICC renamed it Delivered at Place Unloaded because the destination can be any place, not only a terminal, and to make the contrast with DAP clear: under DAP the seller delivers ready for unloading, under DPU the seller unloads.
- CIP insurance raised
- Under 2020, a CIP seller must insure to Institute Cargo Clauses (A) level, while a CIF seller still needs only Clauses (C). ICC's guidance links CIF to bulk cargo moving port to port and CIP to containerised and multimodal shipments.
- FCA on-board bill of lading
- An FCA seller delivers to the buyer's carrier, often before the goods are loaded, so the seller could not get an on-board bill of lading, which LCs commonly demand. The 2020 option lets the parties agree that the buyer instructs the carrier to issue one after loading.
What Stayed the Same
The 2010 edition had already made the big structural change: it cut the rules from 13 to 11 by replacing DAF, DES, DEQ and DDU with DAT and DAP, and grouped the rules into any-mode and sea-only. Incoterms 2020 kept that structure. EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DDP, FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF exist in both editions, with the same basic delivery points. Neither edition deals with title or payment.
DAT, DPU, CIP and the rest. No signup.
Which Edition Applies to a Contract?
Whichever one the contract names. A new edition does not cancel the old one; parties can still choose Incoterms 2010. ICC recommends always writing the year after the rule, as in "FCA Mumbai Incoterms 2020", because leaving it out causes disputes. ICC's 2026 work plan also starts groundwork for a next edition, Incoterms 2030, so check the edition again when that arrives.
How CCFE Tests This
Because the courseware is on the 2010 edition, expect DAT questions (delivery is complete once goods are unloaded at the terminal) and "which party bears maximum obligation" questions that hold in either edition. If an option mentions DPU, the question is testing awareness of the 2020 edition. The trap is answering a CIP insurance question with "Clauses (A)" when the question is framed under 2010, or with "minimum cover" when it is framed under 2020.
FAQs
What is the difference between Incoterms 2010 and 2020?expand_more
Incoterms 2020 renamed DAT as DPU, raised CIP insurance to Institute Cargo Clauses (A), added an on-board bill of lading option under FCA, recognised carriage by the parties' own transport, detailed security obligations and listed all costs in A9/B9. The number of rules stayed at 11.
Is Incoterms 2010 still valid?expand_more
Yes, if the contract names it. Incoterms apply only when incorporated into a contract, and parties may choose an earlier edition. Incoterms 2020 is ICC's current edition.
What replaced DAT in Incoterms 2020?expand_more
DPU, Delivered at Place Unloaded. The seller delivers once the goods are unloaded at the named place, which can be any place, not only a terminal.
Which Incoterms edition does the CCFE exam follow?expand_more
The syllabus names INCOTERMS 2010, matching the IIBF courseware. Learn the 2010 rules for the exam and know the 2020 changes for practice.
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