Greater success in the purchasing department is directly linked to a good knowledge of logistics, especially of Incoterms. As much as some companies focus on specifics for most of their purchase orders, having a good understanding of how all those available work can help speed delivery, reduce costs and, above all, contain risks.
It is true that the purchasing department, as part of the supply chain, has strong advice from logistics professionals, cargo agents, insurance companies, among others, but it is the buyer who negotiates and determines which Incoterm will be used in each purchase, and, therefore, what is the company’s responsibility for transporting the cargo and the total cost of acquiring the part, which includes transport and charges.
This complete cost calculation is possible through the “total cost of ownership” indicator, which we have already covered in our blog. It includes acquisition, financial transaction, opportunity, logistical, currency fluctuation, and trade regulation costs.
Cost reduction happens when, by mapping this total property value, it is possible to calculate values related to each charge, forecasting the expenses of each involved party, buyer and seller, and evaluating possible savings that can be made by choosing Incoterm.
In this mapping, consider possible loss costs, such as the recent accident involving the Ever Given. In this case, those responsible for the risks and triggering of the insurance are defined by Incoterm in the purchase order for each product on board the ship.
Incoterms Definitions
We propose a review of the most important points defined by Incoterms and that should be kept in mind during the negotiations of each purchase order. Incoterms:
- define the precise moment of the transfer of risk (loss and damage liability) between the seller and the buyer, as well as the transfer of additional costs and expenses.
- are limited to matters relating to the rights and obligations of the parties to a sales contract and the respective delivery of tangible goods.
- define when and where the merchandise will be available to the buyer.
- establish which of the parties must provide the international transport vehicle.
- define the functions of each of the parties related to contracting insurance (mandatory in some Incoterms), freight, obtaining shipping and export documentation.
- define the critical cost point, that is, the moment of transfer of expenses with transport, insurance, terminal cargo handling, customs duties, in other words, all the amounts necessary to proceed with the operation.
In order to discuss and clarify the main points to be considered by buyers when choosing the Incoterms for purchase orders, we invite Soluparts Logistics leader, Iara Lasmar Chaves, to talk a little about the subject:
The importance of Incoterms in international trade
According to data published by the Brazilian Federal Government through the Ministry of Economy, in 2020 Brazil’s trade balance had a surplus of US$ 50.9 billion. But what does this mean? Does it mean that Brazil exported more than it imported?
If we analyze it technically, yes. But what made the businesses so profitable? We know that it is not enough just to export and import, we need to see the situation in a more micro-analytical way.
Such an analysis begins on the terms that will permeate international contracts. Such terms are known worldwide as Incoterms. Incoterms were created by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) in 1936, as it was already understood that it was necessary to standardize and simplify international negotiations. In this way, 11 acronyms are formulated that are known as International Trade Terms. Review our article with the definition of each one by clicking here.
As the name implies, these are nomenclatures that will help determine the transition of responsibility between importers and exporters regarding international freight, insurance, fees and associated taxes.
By determination of the ICC, Incoterms are reviewed every 10 years. The last one we had and which is currently in effect is the 2020 one.
Incoterms are divided into four groups. Such groups are defined by the responsibilities of the parties. Make no mistake, Incoterms must always be viewed from the exporter’s perspective.
Group E (ex) – holds the least responsibility for the exporter;
Group F (free) – international transport is not the responsibility of the exporter;
Group C (carriage) – international transport is the responsibility of the exporter;
Group D (delivery) – holds the greatest responsibility for the exporter.
What to consider when choosing Incoterms
Every exporting/importing company must know what each term means. Choosing the ideal Incoterm for your business depends on the act of negotiating, in addition to prior knowledge.
Every purchase process is based on this same principle, and with Incoterms it is no different. So, negotiate! Remember that Incoterms were created as a means to facilitate trade, and not as an impediment to it. By negotiating, both parties have greater chances of leaving satisfied.
Therefore, we recommend knowing in depth the possibilities offered by each Incoterm to negotiate the one that is the most advantageous in terms of risk, responsibility and costs for your company. Keep in mind that liability for damages on the goods has a decisive influence on contracting an export operation.
Calculate shipping costs
In addition to the negotiation, it is important to understand all the adjacent costs of the Incoterm chosen to permeate the transaction. Assuming that in foreign trade, there are fees, costs and taxes that are inherent to import/export, guaranteeing the lowest price per product is not necessarily the best choice if, in the future, there will be a compromise of profit due to adjacent values not considered initially.
Check the credibility of the parties involved
Additionally, it is necessary to take into account that the purchasing and negotiation processes take place with companies that have a history of integrity, commitment and solid values. In this way, the risk for your company is reduced.
International trade agreements
Last but not least, Foreign Trade holds many opportunities linked to trade agreements between countries. This implies expansion of commercial partners, but also specific fees and costs for certain countries.
Government authorities can directly or indirectly influence decisions on which bases to export or import in order to obtain a positive balance in the trade balances of the countries involved. Therefore, entrepreneurs can be led to sell CIF and buy FOB, conditions that, despite implying greater responsibility, favor national insurance companies, for example
In this case, consulting a shipping specialist is the best option to avoid unwanted expenses at the end of the purchase process.
Conclusively, it is proposed to return to the statement that initiated and inspired the writing of this article. After the above, what is the role of your company in your country’s trade balance surplus?
Article written by Iara Lasmar Chaves, bachelor in International Relations, MBA in COMEX and International Negotiation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iara-lasmar-35300b179/
By Iara Lasmar Chaves
Head of logistics at Soluparts
