Incoterms E/F/C/D groups

ICC grouping of the 11 Incoterms rules by initial letter.

Definition

The initial-letter classification structures the Incoterms: E = departure (EXW), F = the seller hands goods to a carrier nominated by the buyer without paying main carriage (FCA, FAS, FOB), C = the seller pays main carriage but risk passes at origin (CPT, CIP, CFR, CIF), D = the seller bears risk and cost to destination (DAP, DPU, DDP).

Origin

Categorisation set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Incoterms 2020 (ICC publication No. 723E), introduced at the Incoterms 1990 overhaul.

Example in context

A freight forwarder filters a tender by category: "accept only D-group rules" means DAP, DPU or DDP — seller responsible all the way to arrival.

Related terms

• Incoterms 2020 — the 11 ICC rules.
• C-terms two points — the C-group specificity.