Professional-grade calculators and reference guides for Indian importers and exporters — free, no sign-up required.
Incoterms, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), define the exact point at which cost, risk and responsibility transfer from seller to buyer. Choosing the wrong term can expose your business to uninsured transit loss, unexpected duty liability, or customs delays at Indian ports.
The seller places goods at the buyer's disposal at their own premises -- factory, warehouse, or named place. No loading, no export clearance. The buyer bears every cost and risk from that point. In practice, EXW is the most seller-friendly and most buyer-risky term. Foreign buyers must handle Indian export customs formalities, which requires appointing a local CHA.
The seller delivers goods -- cleared for export -- to the buyer's nominated carrier or freight agent at a named place. If at the seller's premises, the seller loads. If elsewhere (CFS, ICD, airport), the seller delivers unloaded. Risk passes when the carrier takes possession. FCA is the ICC's recommended replacement for FOB on containerised shipments, as risk passes at the carrier handover point, not the ship's rail.
The seller contracts and pays for carriage to the named destination but risk passes to the buyer when goods are handed to the first carrier at origin -- not on arrival. This critical split means the buyer bears transit risk while the seller is paying for transport. The buyer must arrange their own cargo insurance under CPT.
Same as CPT for cost and risk allocation, but the seller must also provide cargo insurance. The current rules upgraded CIP: it now requires minimum ICC A (all-risks) cover, significantly stronger than the previous ICC C (basic) minimum. This is a significant upgrade for buyers. Risk still passes at first carrier, but the buyer is protected by comprehensive all-risks insurance paid by the seller.
The seller bears all costs and risks to deliver goods to the named place at destination, ready for unloading but not unloaded. The buyer is responsible for import customs clearance, import duties, IGST and all taxes. DAP replaced the old DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) from Incoterms 2010.
Introduced in the current edition to replace DAT (Delivered at Terminal). DPU extends the concept to any named place -- not just terminals. The seller bears all risk to the named place and is responsible for unloading the goods. Import customs clearance and duties remain the buyer's responsibility. This is the only Incoterm where the seller must unload at destination.
The seller's maximum obligation. Goods are delivered import-cleared and duty-paid to the buyer's named destination. The seller pays Indian Basic Customs Duty, IGST, all applicable levies, and last-mile delivery. The buyer simply receives goods. DDP is the mirror opposite of EXW.
The seller delivers goods cleared for export and places them alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk passes at that point. The buyer is responsible for loading, freight, insurance, and import. FAS is used for bulk and conventional cargo where the buyer controls vessel selection and loading operations.
The seller loads goods onto the vessel and clears for export. Risk passes when goods are on board at the named port. The buyer pays freight and insurance from that point. FOB is the most widely used Incoterm in Indian export trade and is embedded in Indian export documentation, banking, and incentive scheme calculations.
The seller clears goods for export and pays sea freight to the named destination port. Risk passes to the buyer when goods are loaded on the vessel at origin -- so the buyer bears transit risk despite the seller paying freight. The buyer must arrange their own cargo insurance. CFR is the sea-only equivalent of CPT.
The seller pays sea freight and provides minimum cargo insurance (ICC C -- basic cover only) to the destination port. Risk passes to the buyer when goods are loaded on the vessel at origin, same as CFR. CIF is among the most common terms for Indian imports. Critically: unlike CIP, CIF still requires only ICC C (minimum) insurance -- not the upgraded ICC A (all-risks) cover.
Internal dimensions, door openings, weight limits, and cubic capacity for every standard container type. Measurements are approximate and may vary slightly between shipping lines.
* All measurements are approximate. Actual dimensions may vary by shipping line and container age. Always confirm with your carrier before stuffing.
Convert between metric and imperial units for weight, length, volume and temperature. Calculate Cubic Metres (CBM) for your shipment to estimate freight costs and container utilisation.
Enter carton/package dimensions and quantity to calculate total CBM. Used by shipping lines and airlines to price cargo.
Approximate road distances between major Indian cities and ports via National Highways, with estimated truck transit times and rail options.
Select any Indian origin port and world destination — verified sea distance in nautical miles, kilometres and estimated transit days. Source: ports.com.