Incoterms FCA: Free Carrier - Asiana USA (2024)

Incoterms FCA, also known as Free Carrier, is a vital trade term that outlines the responsibilities of the seller and buyer when transporting goods in international trade. This term specifies the exact point in the shipment process where the seller’s responsibility ends and the buyer’s responsibility begins.

In international trade, Incoterms are crucial as they provide a standardized framework for negotiating contracts and help prevent misunderstandings between parties. They establish clear obligations for each party, including risk transfer, delivery, and payment terms.

The Incoterms rules have been used since 1936 and are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They have undergone revisions over the years, with the most recent version being Incoterms 2020.

What is the FCA Incoterm?

FCA Incoterm is widely used in international trade, especially in the export of goods by manufacturers, traders, and distributors. FCA is significant because it offers flexibility and simplicity to the parties involved.

It allows the buyer to select their carrier, mode of transport, and delivery location, giving them more control over the process. Meanwhile, it reduces the seller’s risk and liability by relieving them of the responsibility of loading the goods.

FCA Definition and Responsibilities

The Free Carrier (FCA) Incoterm is a trade term indicating that the seller delivers the goods to a carrier nominated by the buyer at a specific location, usually the seller’s premises or a named carrier’s depot. The seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the carrier and clearing them for export. Once the goods are loaded onto the carrier, the risk transfers from the seller to the buyer.

Under the Free Carrier (FCA) Incoterm, the seller has a set of specific responsibilities, which include:

• Loading the goods onto the carrier: The seller must load the goods onto the carrier nominated by the buyer. This process involves ensuring that the goods are packaged correctly and are ready for transportation.
• Providing documentation: The seller is responsible for providing the buyer with the necessary documentation for the shipment, including the invoice, packing list, and any other documents required by the buyer or the carrier.
• Clearing goods for export: The seller must clear the goods for export, including obtaining any necessary licenses or permits required to ship the goods.
• Obtaining special permits or licenses: If the goods require any other special permits or licenses for export, it is the seller’s responsibility to obtain them. Some examples of licenses that may be necessary include export licenses, import licenses, and permits for specific products, such as firearms or hazardous materials. Sellers must understand which licenses are needed to avoid delays or legal issues with the shipment.

The buyer’s responsibilities under FCA include the following:

• Arrange and pay for the carrier: The buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for the carrier to transport the goods from the seller’s premises or the named place to the final destination.
• Arrange and pay for insurance: The buyer must arrange and pay for any insurance coverage required for the goods during transportation.
• Pay any additional costs related to transport: The buyer is responsible for paying any additional costs associated with the transportation of goods, including charges for loading and unloading the goods, fees for customs clearance, and any other charges that may arise during the transportation process.
• Ensure proper documentation: The buyer must provide the necessary documentation for the shipment, such as import licenses or permits, and ensure the documentation is accurate and complete.
• Clear the goods through customs: Upon arrival at the destination, the buyer is responsible for clearing the goods through customs.

Limitations and Constraints of FCA Incoterm

While FCA provides significant benefits to both the buyer and the seller, some limitations must be considered:

Limited Seller Responsibility

One of the primary limitations is that the seller’s responsibility ends when the goods are loaded onto the carrier nominated by the buyer. From that point onwards, the buyer bears the risk of loss, damage, or delay in transit. Buyers must file a claim with their insurance provider if any damage or loss occurs during transportation.

Unsuitability for Special Goods

FCA may not be suitable for all types of goods, particularly those that require temperature-controlled conditions or specialized handling, such as hazardous materials. Other Incoterms, such as CFR or CIF, may be more appropriate.

Need for In-Depth Knowledge of Shipping Procedures

FCA requires both parties to have a good understanding of the transportation process and the associated risks. If the buyer and seller are not familiar with the shipping procedures, there is a risk of misunderstanding, which could lead to additional costs, delays, or legal disputes.

Limited Seller Control

FCA provides limited control to the seller over the shipment process. Once the goods are loaded onto the carrier, the seller has no control over the transportation, which means that they may be unable to ensure that the goods are handled or delivered according to their expectations. This can lead to a higher risk of damage or loss during transit, resulting in disputes between the buyer and seller.

Additional Costs

Under FCA, the buyer pays for the transportation of the goods from the seller’s premises to the final destination. This can lead to additional costs for the buyer, including transportation fees, insurance, and customs clearance. If the buyer fails to arrange transportation promptly or efficiently, it can cause additional costs and delays.

When to Use FCA?

FCA offers excellent flexibility and can be used for any mode of transportation, including road, rail, air, and sea. It is appropriate when the buyer wants to use their own carrier or transport method or has a preferred carrier or transport provider. There are several other scenarios where FCA is the best Incoterm to use:

• When the buyer wants more control over the transportation arrangements: If the buyer has a preferred carrier or logistics provider that they would like to use for the main carriage of the goods, FCA may be a good option as it allows the buyer to arrange this themselves.
• When the goods are being transported in containers or other transport equipment: FCA is often used when shipping goods in containers or other types of transport equipment, as the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the transport at the specified location.
• When the seller wants to minimize their transportation costs: With FCA, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specific location, but they are not responsible for the main carriage of the goods. This means that the seller can choose the most cost-effective mode of transport for the delivery to the specified location, which can help to minimize transportation costs.
• When the buyer wants greater control over the customs clearance process: FCA requires the seller to arrange export clearance, which means that the buyer can have greater control over the customs clearance process in the destination country.
• When goods are low value: FCA is often used for low-value goods, as it allows for more flexibility in transportation arrangements while keeping costs low. Some low-value goods include textiles and clothing accessories, small electronic devices like smartphones or tablets, stationery and office supplies, and consumer goods like cosmetics, toys, and household items.

FCA Delivery Arrangements

There are different delivery arrangements available under FCA, which can be chosen based on specific needs and requirements:

Delivery at the Seller’s Premises

Under this delivery arrangement, the seller loads the goods onto the buyer’s nominated carrier at their premises. The seller then clears the goods for export, and once loaded onto the carrier, the risk transfers to the buyer. This arrangement is most suitable when the buyer wants to inspect the goods before shipment and arrange transportation from the seller’s location.

Delivery at a Named Place

With this arrangement, the seller delivers the goods to a named location, such as a warehouse, port, or airport. The seller clears the goods for export, and the risk transfers to the buyer once delivered to the designated place. This delivery arrangement is best when the buyer wants the goods delivered to a specific location and arranges onward transportation.

Delivery on Board a Vessel

In this type of delivery arrangement, the seller delivers the goods onto a vessel nominated by the buyer at a port of shipment. The seller is also responsible for clearing the goods for export. Once loaded onto the vessel, the risk transfers to the buyer. This delivery arrangement is ideal when the buyer wants the goods loaded onto a specific vessel and arranges for transportation from that port.

Comparison of FCA with Other Incoterms

Compared to other Incoterms, FCA is a more flexible and widely used trade term that allows buyers and sellers to agree on specific delivery arrangements that best suit their needs. For example, compared to EXW (Ex Works), where the buyer handles all transportation and clearance arrangements, FCA places some responsibility on the seller for loading and clearing the goods for export.

However, FCA does not cover some critical aspects of the delivery process, such as the cost and responsibility for unloading the goods at the destination and the import clearance procedures. Therefore, if the buyer requires the seller to handle the unloading and customs clearance, they may consider using other Incoterms, such as DAP (Delivered At Place) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

FCA Documentation and Transfer of Risk and Title

Like any other Incoterm, FCA has specific documentation requirements and rules for transferring risk and title. As an FCA transaction involves the seller delivering the goods to the buyer’s carrier at a specific place, it is critical to ensure that all necessary documentation is provided to prevent any disputes or delays.

The primary documentation requirements for FCA include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills for lading, and export documentation. The commercial invoice and packing list provide details of the goods being shipped, such as the quantity, weight, and value.

The bill of lading acts as a receipt of shipment and proof of ownership of the goods during transit. Export documentation, such as the export license, customs declaration, and any other necessary permits, ensures that goods comply with all regulations and requirements for export.

The transfer of risk and title under FCA occurs when the goods are loaded onto the buyer’s carrier. At this point, the seller’s responsibility ends, and the buyer assumes all risks and costs associated with transporting the goods. However, the transfer of title occurs when the buyer receives the necessary documentation, such as the bill of lading, which proves ownership of the goods.

Despite the precise rules for documentation and risk transfers under the FCA, disputes and issues may still arise. Common issues and disputes include delays in the delivery of documents, incorrect or incomplete documentation, and disputes over transferring risk and title. These issues can lead to delays in the release of the goods, additional costs, and even legal disputes.

It is essential to have clear communication and documentation processes in place to prevent such issues. The seller and buyer must agree on the necessary documentation and communicate the timeline and process for document delivery. Additionally, both parties should be aware of their responsibilities regarding risk and title transfer and ensure that all necessary documents are to avoid any disputes or delays.

FCA and Common Commercial Practices

FCA offers buyers and sellers flexibility, making it a popular option in many commercial transactions. Some of the most common ways FCA is used commercially include:

FCA and Supply Chain Management

FCA is one of the most commonly used Incoterms in supply chain management, especially for sea or inland waterway transport transactions.

FCA’s flexibility makes it an attractive choice for both buyer and seller, allowing for cost-effective solutions while minimizing the risk of disputes. FCA enables the seller and buyer to share responsibilities, such as loading and transportation, which can help to minimize costs and reduce lead times.

Implications of FCA on Freight Forwarders and Logistics Service Providers

FCA has significant implications for freight forwarders and logistics service providers. Under FCA, the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the buyer’s nominated carrier, meaning the buyer must engage a freight forwarder or logistics service provider to arrange transportation.

This means logistics service providers can offer buyers value-added services, such as customs clearance and documentation, to streamline the shipping process.

Asiana USA logistics service providers understand the documentation requirements for FCA. These documents must be accurate and complete to ensure the smooth flow of goods and minimize the risk of delays or disputes.

We also have substantial experience negotiating the transfer of risk and title under FCA, which can affect liability and insurance requirements. Our comprehensive freight forwarding services can help your shipments arrive on time, every time.

FCA and E-commerce

FCA has become increasingly important in the e-commerce era. As more businesses engage in cross-border transactions, the need for a flexible and cost-effective delivery arrangement has become essential.

FCA enables e-commerce businesses to offer customers various shipping options, including express or standard delivery. It also lets companies control transportation costs by negotiating rates with carriers or logistics service providers.

However, e-commerce businesses should be aware of the risks associated with FCA, which can create disputes between the seller and buyer. E-commerce businesses should ensure they have adequate insurance coverage to protect their interests in case of loss or damage to goods during transportation.

Find the Ideal Incoterm for Your Shipment

Incoterms FCA might be the ideal option for you if you are looking for an Incoterm that offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Sharing responsibilities with the buyer can minimize costs and reduce lead times while ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.

Partner with Asiana USA to navigate the complex world of international trade and ensure that your shipments are handled efficiently and effectively under the Incoterms FCA. Contact us today at (855) 500-1808 to learn more about how Incoterms FCA can help your international trade needs or to request a free quote.