Free Carrier (FCA)

Free Carrier (FCA)

Can be used for any transport mode, or where there is more than one transport mode.

A very flexible rule that is suitable for all situations where the buyer arranges the main carriage

Free Carrier (FCA)

For example:

Seller arranges pre-carriage from seller’s depot to the named place, which can be a terminal or transport hub, forwarder’s warehouse etc. Delivery and transfer of risk takes place when the truck or other vehicle arrives at this place, ready for unloading – in other words, the carrier is responsible for unloading the goods. (If there is more than one carrier, then risk transfers on delivery to the first carrier.)

Where the named place is the seller’s premises, then the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the truck etc. this is an important difference from Ex Works EXW

In all cases, the seller is responsible for export clearance; the buyer assumes all risks and costs after the goods have been delivered at the named place.

FCA is the rule of choice for containerized goods where the buyer arranges for the main carriage.

For cross-border transactions, Free Carrier (seller’s premises) is usually a better option than Ex Works.

As with Ex Works, the seller’s responsibilities end once the consignment has been collected from their premises by the buyer’s carrier.

However the seller is required to undertake export procedures, and to load the goods onto the vehicle if necessary – something the seller is probably better placed to do anyway