What does the term FCA mean?

FCA, or Free Carrier, is a trade term indicating that the seller’s obligations are considered fulfilled when they deliver the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier appointed by the buyer. The seller is responsible for loading if the delivery occurs at their premises. If the delivery takes place elsewhere, the responsibility for loading falls on the buyer.

A carrier is any person intending to transport the goods using any mode of transport (such as river, road, rail, or a combination thereof). If the buyer appoints someone other than the carrier as the goods’ receiver, the seller’s obligations are considered fulfilled upon delivery to this person.

According to the FCA Incoterms basis, the seller is responsible for customs procedures for exporting the goods. However, the seller is not obligated to handle customs formalities or any import customs duties and procedures for the goods’ entry.