Free Carrier (FCA) is an international trade term under Incoterms where the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to a carrier or another party nominated by the buyer at a specified location. The seller is responsible for export customs clearance and delivery to the agreed point, while the buyer assumes responsibility for transportation costs, insurance, and risk from that point onward. In logistics, FCA is widely used for containerized shipments, air freight, and multimodal transport, as it provides clear allocation of responsibilities, reduces misunderstandings, and facilitates smooth international trade operations. Efficient execution of FCA requires coordination with carriers, accurate documentation, and compliance with customs regulations to ensure goods are handed over safely and on time.
Key Characteristics:
- Seller Delivery
- Buyer Responsibility
- Export Cleared
- Carrier Handover
- Risk Transferred
- Cost Allocation
- Shipping Coordinated
- Documentation Required
