Incoterms 2000, Main Features and Problems

인코텀즈 2000의 특징(特徵)과 문제점(問題點)

The International Chamber of Commerce introduced in September 1999 its new publication Incoterms 2000(ICC Publication No 560). The ICC was building on the past experiences in its revision works. I have discussed and commented constructively some main features and problems of the new set of terms. Incoterms 2000 takes into account, like already its predecessor did, the possibility that the parties may decide to communicate electronically and replace a paper transport document by an equivalent electronic data interchange message. This possibility will certainly be much more used under the present set of terms. Incoterms 2000 is well recognised by the international legal community, taking into account also the endorsements by UNCITRAL to its predecessor in the early 90's. Incoterms 2000 does not have major competitors remaining. However, the ICC still faces a battle to convince more traders to refer to its terms and to teach traders to understand and to apply them correctly. Incoterms 2000 is a tool for international trade created by a global business organisation. Its members decide every day if and to what extent they make use of this tool. The members of the ICC have participated actively in the drafting and commenting of Incoterms 2000 and thereby shown again a great deal of dynamism in creating rules for their own everyday use. Under these circumstances, "ship's rail approach" related to delivery point, risks and costs should be replaced by "on board approach" under FOB, CFR and CIF terms.