National Strike in France on February 20, 27 and March 5

Incoterms 2020

It is an acronym standing for international commercial terms. Incoterms is a trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce, registered in several countries.

The Incoterms rules feature abbreviations for terms, like FOB (“Free on Board”), DAP (“Delivered at Place”), EXW (“Ex Works”), CIP (“Carriage and Insurance Paid To”), which all have very precise meanings for the sale of goods around the world. These terms hold universal meaning for buyers and sellers around the world.

The main Incoterms changes that are being considered are:

• The removal of FAS (Free Alongside Ship) as it is being used infrequently;
• Separating FCA (Free Carrier) into two separate Incoterms: one for road delivery and one for maritime delivery;  
• The committee is also considering bringing back the terms FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), instead of the FCA and CIP (Cost and Insurance Paid to) used for non-container shipments.
• There is also a debate about the creation of a new Incoterms called CNI (Cost and Insurance) to bridge the gap between FCA and CFR/CIF (Cost and Freight/Cost, Insurance, Freight). Currently, FCA includes the cost of international insurance on account of the seller-exporter, while CFR/CIF does not include the cost of freight.
• Lastly, to alleviate questions surrounding the party responsible for paying Customs fees, the ICC will evaluate the creation of 2 Incoterms to replace DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

Other issues and updates being evaluated during this round include:

• Transportation security
• Regulations on transportation insurance
• Relationship between the Incoterms and the International Sale Contract

We will provide another update once the official Incoterms 2020 rules have been announced by the ICC. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 – Key dates and impact on supply chains

National strike in France – update week 4

During the past weeks, massive strikes against a planned pension reform have paralyzed public transport in France. The strike is still going on this week (week 4).

French ports, which are already impacted by days of strike, are getting congested. Alternative options like Antwerp, Genoa or Barcelona are getting congested as well, therefore delays on bookings and pick up/delivery with those ports are expected.

Here is an overview of the planned strike activity in the French ports:

• Dunkerque: dockers/stevedores 23/01 & 24/01; tugboats 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am
• Le Havre: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 24/01 to 25/01 until 8 am
• Montoir: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 21/01 to 24/01 until 9 am
• FOS: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 20/01 to 23/01 until 9 am

Pick-up and delivery by rail would be also difficult. Air freight is not concerned so far, but we will keep you informed about that.

Get assured that our operational teams will do their utmost to minimize the effects of the strike.

In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your responsible contact person in the respective DACHSER branch.

King Willem-Alexander visits DACHSER in Waddinxveen

Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, visited DACHSER in Waddinxveen on July 1. During a tour of the branch and subsequent discussion sessions, he was thoroughly briefed on the topic of education and training in companies and how to ensure that it continues, especially in times of crisis.