Marine Insurance

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Incoterms in Marine Insurance

The International Chambers of Commerce or ICC published a series of standard terms such as Incoterms or International commercial terms. They are an essential component of everyday communication of trade and are an integral part of sale contracts. Every country has its own trade agreement, rules as well as terminologies to use for domestic trade.  Hence, Incoterms were developed in order to streamline the process of international trade and remove confusion. Incoterms in Marine Insurance are used by both buyers and sellers and serve as a rule book of international trade to importers, exporters, legal experts, and insurance & transport agencies.

The objective of developing Incoterms in Marine Insurance

The government and legal authorities from across the world accept the trade rules and regulations put in the Incoterms.  The intention was to remove all ambiguities associated with international trade and attain standardization of regulations.  Incoterms also throw light on the varied features of marine insurance policy.

Published for the first time in 1936, the Incoterms guidelines are updated from time to time. The eighth rendition of Incoterm as published in 2010 is a registered trademark of the ICC. In the previous version of the rule book, there are four categories of guidelines. However, in the 2010 rendition, the 11 pre-defined Incoterms 2010 were subdivided into two categories based upon the methods of delivery.” Seven rules from the larger group are applicable to any mode of transport- be it sea, road, air, or rail. The smaller group of four rules is only applicable to transport by sea. However, it cannot be used for consignments and freight sent by road, air, or rail.

Additional Read: Why is Marine Insurance Policy necessary?

7 Incoterms rules applicable to any mode of transport

EXW – Ex Works

If the sale contract states, EXW this means that the seller will make the goods available at a set location. The location can be the factory or industrial unit of the seller or another decided place.  Under such a term, the maximum onus of responsibility or obligation lies on the buyer and not so much on the seller. The seller has the responsibility of loading the goods. He does it on the cost and risk of the buyer. However, the contract should explicitly mention these conditions. Under the terms of EXW, it is also the buyer’s responsibility to get clearance from customs and complete the export documentation.

FAC- Free Carrier Incoterm

The terms of FCA state that the seller delivers the goods cleared for export at a pre-decided destination. This is usually the seller’s own premises.  The onus of the obligation for loading and unloading of goods is determined by the place of delivery. This is a very important feature of the marine insurance policy.

For instance, if the place of delivery takes place at the seller’s premises or any other place that is under the control of the seller, it becomes the seller’s responsibility to load the goods on the buyer’s carrier. Conversely, if the delivery takes place at any other place and the seller has to load the goods, it becomes the buyer’s responsibility to load the goods onto their own carrier.

CPT – Carriage Paid To in Marine insurance

“Carriage Paid To” signifies that the seller delivers and pays for the goods to a said destination (agreed between both parties). At the same time, the seller has to pay for the cost of the carriage. Only when the buyer receives goods at the shipment address is when goods delivery stands confirmed.

CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid to incoterm

CIP is very similar to CPT and the seller has to deliver the goods as well as pay for the contact as well as the cost of carriage.  At the same time, the seller has to get insurance for the goods while the shipment is in transit. CIP requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of the contract value under at least the minimum cover.

DAT – Delivered at Terminal

The seller has to deliver the goods at the said terminal, port, or destination as per the DAT agreement. The seller takes care of the cost of transport and bears the risks until the consignment reaches the said destination or port.

DAP -Delivered at Place

The seller delivers the goods placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the named place of destination.   Thus the risk is now upon the buyer and not the seller.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

The DDP agreement states that the seller is responsible for the delivery of goods to an agreed destination in the country of the buyer. The seller also bears the cost of transport, customs, import duties, and taxes. However, the seller is not responsible for unloading.  The risk and responsibility of the goods are upon the buyer once he has received the consignment at the agreed destination.

Additional Read: What are the various clauses in marine insurance policies?

4 Rules (Incoterms) applicable, only to sea and inland waterway transport

FAS – Free Alongside Ship

As the phrase suggests, the seller delivers the good alongside the buyer’s ship to the vessel at the said port mentioned in the contract. As per the agreement of this contract, the buyer must also bear the cost and risks for any loss or damage of goods from the very moment the seller delivers the goods.

FOB – Free on Board

Under such an agreement the seller bears the cost. Risks are also there only till the goods and loaded on the ship or the vessel. The seller has to take care of all the export clearances.

CFR – Cost and Freight

As per the Cost and Freight rule, the seller has to pay for the carriage of the goods, up to the named port of destination. Post that, the seller has to load the goods on the ship leaving for the country of export.  Thereafter, the buyer has to face the risks.

CIF – Cost, Insurance & Freight

The terms of CIF are quite similar to CFR, with the exception that the seller has to get insurance for the goods while still in transit to the designated port. CIF requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of their value under at least the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clauses of the Institute of London Underwriters (which would be Institute Cargo Clauses (C)), or any similar set of clauses.

Understanding Incoterms in marine insurance is essential when buying an insurance cover. By clarifying responsibilities and risks, these terms ensure smoother transactions and effective coverage, benefiting both buyers and sellers alike.

Conclusion – Incoterms in Marine Insurance

The terms of CIF are quite similar to CFR, with the exception that the seller has to get insurance for the goods while still in transit to the designated port. CIF requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of their value under at least the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clauses of the Institute of London Underwriters (which would be Institute Cargo Clauses (C)), or any similar set of clauses.