EXW Incoterms 2020Ex Works

You collect the goods from the seller's door and handle everything else — including export clearance.

Choose an Incoterm
EXW

Ex Works

Any mode of transport
What it means for the buyer

You collect the goods from the seller's door and handle everything else — including export clearance.

Supply chain & cost split

SellerBuyer
  1. 1Export packagingS
  2. 2Loading at originB
  3. 3Pre-carriageB
  4. 4Export clearanceB
  5. 5Origin terminal (THC)B
  6. 6Main carriageB
  7. 7InsuranceB
  8. 8Destination terminal (THC)B
  9. 9Import clearanceB
  10. 10Delivery & unloadingB
Seller paysBuyer paysRisk passes to buyer

Where the risk transfers

At the seller's premises, the moment the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal (not even loaded).

Who pays for what

Supply-chain stageWho pays
Export packagingPacking and marking the goods for international transport.Seller
Loading at originLoading the goods onto the first vehicle at the seller's premises.Buyer
Pre-carriageInland transport to the terminal or port of departure.Buyer
Export clearanceExport customs formalities and duties in the origin country.Buyer
Origin terminal (THC)Terminal handling charges at the port or terminal of departure.Buyer
Main carriageThe main international leg — ocean freight or air / road carriage.Buyer
InsuranceCargo insurance covering the main carriage.Buyer
Destination terminal (THC)Terminal handling charges at the arrival port or terminal.Buyer
Import clearanceImport customs clearance, duties and taxes at destination.Buyer
Delivery & unloadingOnward delivery to the final point and unloading.Buyer

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the main freight under EXW?
Under EXW (Ex Works) the buyer pays the main carriage / freight.
When does risk transfer under EXW?
At the seller's premises, the moment the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal (not even loaded).
Is EXW suitable for air or container shipments?
Yes. EXW works for any mode of transport — air, road, rail and containerised sea freight.
Shipping under EXW? Line up your fulfillment.

Find prep-centers and 3PL warehouses that handle inbound, customs and Amazon FBA prep for this kind of shipment.

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Read the full Incoterms 2020 guide on the blog