GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

Incoterms After Sales

After-sales logistics—returns, exchanges, warranty claims—falls outside standard Incoterms scope.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://iccwbo.org/resources-for-business/incoterms/

Category

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Reading time

1 min

Words

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

After-sales logistics—returns, exchanges, warranty claims—falls outside standard Incoterms scope. There is no official rule: Does the buyer pay return shipping? Does the seller assume risk during a recall? When does warranty liability end? Each company handles this via supplementary agreements, service level contracts, or warranty terms. The phrase "Incoterms After Sales" is informal shorthand for this gap and should be replaced in formal agreements with specific language covering reverse logistics, warranty scope, and liability transfer.

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Check transport insuranceEstimate coverage and premiumOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is the document issued by the exporter to the buyer, stating the goods description, quantity, unit and total …

Learn more

chain transaction

A chain transaction arises when goods change hands at least twice on paper but travel physically in a single movement from the ori…

Learn more

Incoterms pricing strategy

An Incoterms pricing strategy is the deliberate structuring of sale prices and cost allocation based on a chosen Incoterm rule. It…

Learn more

Incoterms obligation to accept delivery consequences

The buyer's obligation to take delivery under the agreed Incoterm contrasts with the seller's duty to make goods available. If the…

Learn more

First Sale Rule

As of July 2026. The First Sale Rule lets U.S. importers base the customs value not on the last sale (middleman → U.S. buyer) but …

Learn more

Delimitation between sale-of-goods law and transport law

In international trade, sale-of-goods law and transport law are distinct legal regimes that often interact on a single shipment. S…

Learn more

⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.

Incoterms Simulator →

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

Incoterms After Sales

Next steps

Related Terms

Commercial Invoice

chain transaction

Incoterms pricing strategy

Incoterms obligation to accept delivery consequences

First Sale Rule

Delimitation between sale-of-goods law and transport law

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers