FCA Incoterms 2025 Guide

What Is Free Carrier (FCA) in International Trade?

Free Carrier (FCA) is one of the most widely used Incoterms rules in international trade, governing how goods are delivered from seller to buyer. Under FCA, the seller delivers the goods to a nominated carrier or another party appointed by the buyer, typically at an agreed location like the seller’s premises, a forwarder’s warehouse, or a terminal or transport hub.

The seller is responsible for export clearance and must ensure the goods are ready for pickup. Once the carrier takes control, risk transfers from the seller to the buyer. This means the buyer assumes all further risk and cost related to transportation from that point onwards.

FCA offers flexibility across various transport modes, such as sea and inland waterway, air, rail, or truck shipments. It fits both container transport and conventional cargo, making it a popular choice in international shipments today.