Free CarrierFCA
When the goods are handed to the carrier nominated by the buyer, at the named place.
FCA (Free Carrier) is an Incoterms® 2020 rule for any mode of transport, in group F, where the buyer arranges the main carriage. The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to a carrier or another party nominated by the buyer at a named place — either the seller's premises or another agreed point.
Risk and cost transfer to the buyer at the point of delivery. If the named place is the seller's premises, delivery happens when the goods are loaded onto the buyer's collecting vehicle; if it is another place, delivery happens when the goods are placed at the carrier's disposal on the seller's arriving vehicle, ready for unloading. The seller clears the goods for export; the buyer is responsible for the main carriage, import clearance and duties.
FCA is the any-mode rule that corresponds to FAS and FOB for sea transport, and it is widely used for containerised cargo handed over at a terminal.
Cost & risk along the journey
Who is responsible
Turkey delivery code
Same group
Frequently asked questions
- QWhat does FCA mean in Incoterms 2020?
- AFCA stands for Free Carrier. The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to a carrier nominated by the buyer at a named place, and the buyer arranges the main carriage from there.
- QWhen does risk transfer under FCA?
- ARisk transfers when the goods are handed over to the buyer's nominated carrier at the named place — on loading if at the seller's premises, or ready for unloading if at another place.
- QWho arranges the main carriage under FCA?
- AThe buyer contracts and pays for the main carriage. The seller only delivers the goods to the carrier at the agreed place.
- QWho clears the goods for export under FCA?
- AThe seller clears the goods for export. The buyer handles import clearance and duties.
- QIs insurance required under FCA?
- ANo. Neither party is obliged to insure the goods under FCA; the buyer bears the risk during the main carriage.
- QIs FCA suitable for containers?
- AFCA applies to any mode of transport, including containerised cargo delivered to a terminal — the scenario for which it is commonly used.
- QWhat is the difference between FCA and FOB?
- AFOB is limited to sea and inland waterway transport and risk passes when the goods are on board the vessel; FCA covers any mode and risk passes when the goods are handed to the buyer's carrier at the named place.
Incoterms® is a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the official rules are copyright ICC. This is a factual reference in logibook's own words — not the ICC rules; always rely on the official ICC Incoterms® 2020 text for the binding rules.