So, why and how did you join the IoE

IoE & International Trade is a professional and educational body in the UK. Strong & Herd LLP training courses are accredited by the IoE and we are able to issue Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points to attendees. WE also issue a “Certificate of Competence in International Trade” for delegates attending 5 or more courses. All this is great but I have a feeling that the age range of IoE members is increasing and we need to get new people doing the educational packages – which run through to a diploma and (soon) a foundation degree – as well as getting people who have been involved in international trade more joining the only professional body I know of in the UK linked to international trade. If you have more than 10 years experience in international trade you can become a full member.

I joined the IoE because, as a trainee import/export clerk in a busy shipping office of a major company, I had to. I was told that they would pay for me to take the diploma and that I had better do well because the guy I was working with (Paul) came top in the country in all his exams. Well, I went to the night classes and had an afternoon in a classroom each week and, as a very new starter (only 19) it really helped me understand the world of international trade and started me on a journey I have (and still am) thoroughly enjoying.

I would love to hear your stories on why you joined, even why you left the IoE or what you think about joining now. You don't have to sit an exam to join unless you want to become a graduate, you can join at different levels depending on your experience. 10 years experience or more and you are a full member. If you are interested in becoming a member I would be happy to consider sponsoring you – email: training@strongandherd.co.uk .

Oh yes, how did I do in the exams – I won 3 major prizes and came top in the country (so there Paul!) and for that I got a £100 bonus from the company!

Incoterms 2010

As you will be aware the ICC has up-dated Incoterms - the international delivery terms. The old version - Incoterms 2000 - was updated in 2010 and from 1 January 2011 Incoterms 2010 came into force. Two new terms have been added - DAT and DAP - while the terms DAF, DES, DEQ and DDU have been removed. The ICC Incoterms 2010 are now suitable for domestic contracts. A lot of the other changes are, what we would call, "tweaks" but there are significant "tweaks" within each of the 4 Incoterms Groups - Group E, Group F, Group C and Group D. ExWorks is recommended for domestic use only. FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF is recommended for non-containerised freight only and, for FOB, CFR and CIF, the risk passes once the goods are loaded on board not when they cross the ship's rail at loading. The diffferences between the transfer of risk and the costs within Group C (Incoterms CPT, CIP, CFR, CIF) has been clarified.

While you are here, look at our Incoterms 2010 blog

For further information on Strong & Herd Incoterms services, including Incoterms 2010 books, Incoterms 2010 charts and Incoterms training visit: www.strongandherd.co.uk/incoterms-2010/