The guide is designed as a convenient reference to Critical Points in the international transportation system, specifically in relation to the application to Incoterms to sale and purchase comtracts.

Incoterms represent a set of international rules for the interpretation of commonly uses trade terms, eliminting or reducing the uncertaties of defferent interpretations of these terms in different countries. Since they were first published in 1936, Incoterms have been updated six times. Incoterms 2000 contain 13 rules for standardized global trade, defining the most important responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international sales contracts.

In order to ensure the new Incoterms 2000 terms are being applied, buyers and sellers should specify Incoterms 2000 on all contracts, thus clearly identifying the source of reference for the definition. Traders using these rules should also clearly specify any and all agreed to variations of the terms.

It is not possible for Incoterms to complete and comprehensive Variations in local trades, ports and customs and possible. Buyers and sellers must take care when applying the rules to account for these parties, by agreement, to surt any particular contract or circumstance.