What changed from Incoterms 2010 to 2020

Incoterms are revised roughly every decade. The 2020 edition didn't overhaul the system, but it made several practical changes that matter on real shipments.

• DAT became DPU. 'Delivered at Terminal' was renamed 'Delivered at Place Unloaded' to make clear the place need not be a terminal — it's the only rule where the seller unloads at destination.
• CIP insurance was upgraded. Under CIP the seller must now provide higher 'all-risks' cover (Institute Cargo Clauses A). CIF stayed at the minimum level (Clauses C), because bulk commodity trades often don't want or need premium cover.
• FCA now allows an on-board bill of lading. Buyer and seller can agree the carrier issues an on-board B/L to the seller under FCA — useful when a letter of credit requires an on-board B/L but the term is FCA.
• Costs are listed in one place. Each rule now collects all the cost allocations in a single article so it's clear who pays what.
• Security and own-transport realities were addressed. The rules acknowledge security-related obligations and that buyer or seller may carry goods in their own vehicles rather than always hiring a third-party carrier.