Delivery EXW (Ex Works), "ex works", means in logistics jargon that your seller makes the goods available to you, the buyer, for collection on his premises or at another location to be named. This means that you as the buyer are responsible for loading and also transporting the goods yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bear in mind with EXW?
Ex Works is always a domestic transaction for the seller. With this Incoterm he fulfils his minimum obligation. The seller must provide you with the goods packaged for transport and bear the costs of packaging. Make sure that the contract of sale specifies exactly where the goods are to be collected.
Example: Ex works (EXW), Dillingen branch, ramp 3 at 9 am.
What few people know: If the seller or his staff helps you with loading, you bear the full risk. If you want to clearly regulate the loading process, it may be better to choose FCA, as the risk of the loading process is clearly regulated and lies with the seller.
Who determines the place of delivery EXW?
The seller must make the goods available to you at his premises or a usual place at an agreed or usual time and notify you so that you can take delivery of them. You can agree in the purchase contract that you determine the place and time of acceptance yourself.
When is the transfer of risk in the case of delivery ex works?
The costs and risks are transferred to the buyer when the goods are taken over. This means that from this point on you bear the costs of loading and also assume the loading risk. If necessary, the seller will help you load the goods with a crane or forklift truck - but you already bear the risk for this.
Who pays for delivery ex works?
In the case of delivery ex works, you bear the costs of loading and transport. The seller only has to provide you with the goods in packaging suitable for transport.
Is EXW a good choice?
EXW is more suitable for national trade in goods than for international trade, as import and export clearance can be difficult. For international trade, it is more advisable to arrange FCA. EXW is only suitable for you as a buyer if, for example, you have several suppliers in the exporting country and are putting together a delivery for joint transport.
Do you have any questions about the transport of your goods? Please contact us. We will be happy to help you with your transport management!
Source: Incoterms® 2020 by International Chamber of Commerce.
The Incoterms® are a central set of rules for international trade. They do not constitute a complete contract of sale, but become part of the contract. All previous versions of the Incoterms® remain valid. Unless a year is specified, the following shall apply upon application:
Until 31 December 2019, Incoterms® 2010 shall apply.
As of 1 January 2020, Incoterms® 2020 shall apply.
Older Incoterms® may also apply, provided the relevant year is indicated.
Note: This page is for information purposes. For a detailed explanation, please refer to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) publication INCOTERMS® 2020. For a complete and detailed description of all rights and obligations arising from the use of the above Incoterms®, please refer to the official text of the ICC. Only the text version published by the ICC is binding!