Incoterms matrix

The Incoterms Matrix helps you understand the responsibilities, costs and risks associated with every Incoterms® 2020 rule. Whether you're buying or selling internationally, the tool makes it easier to compare terms, understand your obligations and select the most suitable Incoterm for your shipment.

As an interactive Incoterms comparison tool, it allows you to review buyer and seller responsibilities, compare different Incoterms side by side and better understand how each term affects the movement of goods.

Getting Started

When you open the Incoterms Matrix, you'll first see the main landing page.

An Incoterms chart is also available to help you understand each rule before using the matrix.

To begin, select the Incoterm you want to review, then choose whether you're viewing the information as the Buyer (Importer) or Seller (Exporter). In the example below, FCA has been selected for the Buyer.

From the Select to Check drop-down menu, you'll be able to review a range of information relating to that Incoterm.

In this example, we've selected Notes of Caution.

You can also review individual sections of the buyer seller obligations, such as B7 - Import/Export Clearance, to understand each party's responsibilities in greater detail.

The results page provides detailed guidance for the selected Incoterm, helping you understand how responsibilities, costs and risks are allocated throughout the shipment.

Compare Incoterms Side by Side

One of the most useful features of the Incoterms Matrix is the built-in Incoterms comparison tool.

You can compare any two Incoterms to see how responsibilities change between them, making it easier to choose the most appropriate option for your shipment. Whether you're carrying out an Incoterms risk comparison, reviewing an Incoterms responsibility matrix, or comparing FCA vs FOB for container shipments, the tool presents the information in a clear and easy-to-understand format.

The same comparison can also be used for other commonly used Incoterms, including DDP vs DAP, helping buyers and sellers understand the differences before agreeing commercial terms.

You can also download a document explaining your chosen Incoterm in more detail.

Make Better Shipping Decisions

Choosing the right Incoterm can have a significant impact on transport costs, customs responsibilities and commercial risk. The Incoterms Matrix has been developed as a professional, trusted and reliable resource for businesses involved in international trade.

Whether you're an experienced importer, exporter or a company shipping internationally for the first time, the tool provides practical guidance that helps simplify decision-making. Developed with input from international trade specialists and experts, it helps you understand buyer and seller obligations before your goods move through the supply chain.