International trade runs on a small set of rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce and a few trade associations. Contracts and bank instruments refer to them by name. Knowing which applies, and which "rules" do not exist, is basic protection.
ICC rules
| Rule | Governs | Current version |
|---|---|---|
| Incoterms® | Delivery, risk and cost allocation between seller and buyer | Incoterms 2020 |
| UCP 600 | Documentary letters of credit | 2007 revision |
| ISBP 821 | How banks examine documents under UCP 600 | 2023; a full revision is in progress at ICC |
| eUCP | Electronic presentation of documents under credits | Version 2.1 |
| ISP98 | Standby letters of credit | 1998 |
| URDG 758 | Demand guarantees, including performance bonds | 2010 |
| URC 522 | Documentary collections (D/P, D/A) | 1995 |
| URR 725 | Bank-to-bank reimbursements under credits | 2008 |
ICC model contracts
- ICC Model International Sale Contract
- ICC Model Commercial Agency Contract
- ICC Model Occasional Intermediary Contract (NCND)
Rules that do not existICC has warned that offers quoting non-existent ICC instruments, such as "ICC 400/500/600 regulations", "ICC Prove and Move rules" or "ICC NCNDA" forms, may indicate a scam. If a document cites an ICC rule you cannot find on ICC's website, ask for the publication number.
Commodity trade associations
| Body | Covers |
|---|---|
| GAFTA | Grain and feed contracts, arbitration, approved inspectors |
| FOSFA | Oilseeds, oils and fats contracts and arbitration |
| Sugar Association of London / Refined Sugar Association | Raw and white sugar contracts and arbitration |
| London Metal Exchange | Base-metal reference prices, approved brands and warehouses |
| LBMA | Gold and silver Good Delivery standards and responsible sourcing |
Useful official sources
- International Chamber of Commerce
- ICC Commercial Crime Services: trade-fraud alerts and document checks
- World Customs Organization: Harmonized System codes
- ITC Trade Map and UN Comtrade: trade statistics by country and product
- EU Access2Markets: EU tariffs and import rules
TradeScout24 Trade Desk · Sources: ICC publications; ICC "Traders warned about non-existent ICC instruments" · Rules are sold by ICC and are not reproduced here · Last reviewed 25 Oct 2026