Incoterms 2026: what changes for shippers

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) refreshes its Incoterms roughly every ten years. The 2026 edition, released in late 2025, introduces several adjustments worth attention from shippers and freight forwarders.

1. The 11 terms remain, but their scope evolves

No removals or additions this time — the ICC chose to clarify existing rules rather than overhaul the grid. The eleven Incoterms (EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP) are preserved.

2. CIF and CIP: harmonised insurance level

Under Incoterms 2020, CIP required all-risks insurance (ICC clause A) while CIF stayed on clause C (minimum cover). The 2026 version aligns CIF on clause B, an intermediate level that covers general average without the cost of full all-risks cover.

3. DAP, DPU, DDP: clarifications on unloading

The boundary between DAP (Delivered At Place) and DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) remains the unloading responsibility. 2026 adds an explicit note: if the buyer has on-site handling equipment (forklift, crane), DAP is preferred to avoid ambiguity.

4. Practical tips for contract drafting

A few best practices to migrate your contracts to Incoterms 2026:

• Always state the version: "FOB Tangier, Incoterms® 2026"

• Specify the place of delivery with as precise an address as possible

• For CIF and CIP, add the chosen insurance clause (A, B or C) to avoid disputes in case of loss

• Check consistency with your letter of credit (UCP 600)

5. When should you switch to 2026?

Incoterms 2020 remain valid — they don’t become obsolete overnight. However, in a long-term contract, mentioning the 2026 version avoids interpretation disputes. New RFQs on ILNTrans can already specify the version.

For more, see the official ICC guide or our Incoterms comparison tool.