The delivery condition FCA, i.e. "Free Carrier", means that your seller hands over your goods to the carrier or another person to be named by you on his premises or at another named place. Determine the place of delivery with your seller as precisely as possible, as delivery to this place transfers the risk to you as the buyer. Delivery FCA is possible for all modes of transport, whether by sea or land. You as the buyer determine the means of transport and the transport route.
Frequently asked questions
What has to be considered with FCA?
In practice, terms such as "free carrier" also circulate for the FCA delivery condition. However, it is better to always use and agree on the FCA Incoterm defined by the ICC, International Chamber of Commerce, Paris, as only this clearly regulates costs AND transfer of risk.In the case of Free Carrier delivery, adherence to delivery dates is important. According to § 376 of the German Commercial Code (HGB), exceeding the deadline in the sense of a firm deal can lead to liability for damages due to non-performance. Both buyer and seller should therefore pay close attention to and comply with the notification obligations regarding delivery and acceptance modalities.
Who determines the place of delivery FCA?
You as the buyer determine the place of delivery of the goods by the seller and have a duty of notification to the seller. This is the only way the seller can ensure that the goods are packaged appropriately for transport. This includes both the protection of the goods and marking regulations such as hazardous goods, flammable, etc.
Specify the place of delivery as precisely as possible.
Example: FCA Bremen, shed 7, ramp 2
When specifying the place of delivery for FCA Incoterm, e.g. FCA airport, FCA freight station, FCA free port, FCA warehouse, you usually also define the type of transport.
When is the transfer of risk with FCA?
Since Incoterms 2000, the seller's responsibility only ends when the goods are loaded onto your first means of transport. In extra-EC trade, the seller is still responsible for clearance at the export customs office. Your carrier then transports the goods abroad via customs.
Depending on the named place of delivery, the delivery may be completed at different times. If the delivery is made to the FCA plant in Kassel, the delivery is completed when the goods are loaded onto the truck and the risk is transferred to you as the buyer. In the case of delivery to the airport, freight station or free port, the seller already fulfils his delivery obligation when he makes the goods available to your carrier or other person appointed by you without unloading.
Who pays for FCA delivery?
In the case of FCA Incoterm, the seller bears the costs and risks of packaging and transport until the goods are loaded onto the agreed carrier. After that, the buyer bears all costs and risks of the delivery of the goods.
Do you still have 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!