New Challenges in Incoterms in the Background of Their Historical Development

Abstract

INCOTERMS conditions are internationally recognized delivery clauses. Their advantage is comprehensibility and uniform interpretation by the contracting parties, as well as easy incorporation into the contract. An undeniable advantage is the regular update. The individual updates reflect trends in international business practice and therefore clarify or repeal existing clauses or introduce new ones as needed. The aim of the article is to evaluate the development of the INCOTERMS clauses on their historical development and their impact on international commercial law relations, and through this to outline possible future developments. The authors also consider whether, given the rapid technological progress, the current ten-year cycle of revision of the INCOTERMS clauses is appropriate or whether it is too long. Among the new trends, the authors point to new types of transport, especially unmanned drones, and the continuing trend of a transparent and secure logistics chain.