FCA
Free CarrierFCA
Incoterms 2020
Any mode
When goods are handed to the carrier at the named place
Cost responsibility
Seller pays for delivery to carrier and export clearance. Buyer pays main carriage onward.
Seller obligations
- S1Deliver goods to carrier at named place
- S2Export clearance
- S3Loading at seller's premises (if applicable)
Buyer obligations
- B1Main carriage from named place
- B2Import clearance
- B3Import duties and taxes
- B4Insurance (if desired)
When to use FCA
The most versatile Incoterm. Suitable for any mode of transport. Ideal replacement for EXW in international trade because the seller handles export clearance. The 2020 revision allows buyer to instruct carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to seller.
When NOT to use FCA
When seller should bear main carriage costs (use CPT or CIP instead). When buyer wants door-to-door pricing (use DAP or DDP).
Common mistakes with FCA
- !Confusing the two delivery variants: delivery at seller's premises vs delivery at another named place
- !Not specifying the precise delivery point, leading to disputes about when risk transfers