FCA — Free Carrier
Seller clears for export and hands the goods to the buyer's carrier at a named place.
FCAFree CarrierAny mode
Where risk transfers
When the goods are handed to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place — loaded if that place is the seller's premises.
Mode: any mode of transport
Who pays what
| Export customs | Seller |
| Origin carriage | Seller |
| Main freight | Buyer |
| Insurance | Either (optional) |
| Import customs | Buyer |
| Duties & taxes | Buyer |
| Delivery to place | Buyer |
Obligations
Seller
- •Clear the goods for export
- •Deliver to the named place and load onto the buyer's collecting vehicle (if at seller's premises)
Buyer
- •Arrange and pay the main carriage
- •Carry the risk once the carrier takes the goods
- •Clear for import and pay duties
Watch out
Incoterms 2020 added an option for the buyer to instruct its carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to the seller — useful under letters of credit.
More terms
Frequently asked questions
What does FCA mean in Incoterms 2020?
FCA stands for Free Carrier. Seller clears for export and hands the goods to the buyer's carrier at a named place. Risk transfers when the goods are handed to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place — loaded if that place is the seller's premises.
Who pays for the main freight under FCA?
The buyer pays the main carriage under FCA.