FCA Incoterms 2020 — Free Carrier
The seller hands over export-cleared goods to your carrier; you take over from origin onward.
FCA
Free Carrier
Any mode of transportWhat it means for the buyer
The seller hands over export-cleared goods to your carrier; you take over from origin onward.
Supply chain & cost split
SellerBuyer
- 1Export packagingS
- 2Loading at originS
- 3Pre-carriageS
- 4Export clearanceS
- 5Origin terminal (THC)B
- 6Main carriageB
- 7InsuranceB
- 8Destination terminal (THC)B
- 9Import clearanceB
- 10Delivery & unloadingB
Seller paysBuyer paysRisk passes to buyer
Where the risk transfers
When the goods are handed to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place, export-cleared.
Who pays for what
| Supply-chain stage | Who 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. | Seller |
| Pre-carriageInland transport to the terminal or port of departure. | Seller |
| Export clearanceExport customs formalities and duties in the origin country. | Seller |
| 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 FCA?
- Under FCA (Free Carrier) the buyer pays the main carriage / freight.
- When does risk transfer under FCA?
- When the goods are handed to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place, export-cleared.
- Is FCA suitable for air or container shipments?
- Yes. FCA works for any mode of transport — air, road, rail and containerised sea freight.
Shipping under FCA? Line up your fulfillment.
Find prep-centers and 3PL warehouses that handle inbound, customs and Amazon FBA prep for this kind of shipment.