THE INCOTERMS® 2010 RULES AND DOCUMENTS – DOCUMENTS COMMONLY NEEDED IN SALE TRANSACTIONS UNDER THE INCOTERMS® RULES

Annex 3 sets out the most common documents users may need to provide, respond to, or accommodate in connection with sales of goods that incorporate one of the Incoterms® 2010 rules. While the Incoterms® 2010 rules do not set out detailed rules for many of the documents that may be needed in connection with a sale of goods, nonetheless some general guidance in this area may be helpful. Users are of course well advised to read this guidance in the context of the specific needs of their particular sale transaction.

The information is divided into 11 sections, one for each of the Incoterms® 2010 rules. In each section, there is an explanation of what documents may be required in various areas: proof of delivery, customs, transport, financing, and insurance, and what issues users should consider regarding the interaction of these various kinds of documents.

Mismatches between documents and the requirements under the Incoterms® rules are common and can lead to costly complications for traders – readers are therefore well advised to study Annex 3 carefully before entering into a sale transaction, to avoid problems before they arise.