What is the main difference between DAP and FCA?

They split 1 cost block differently. main carriage (freight) falls to the seller under DAP and the buyer under FCA.

Where does risk pass under DAP?

At the named destination, with the goods still on the arriving vehicle.

Where does risk pass under FCA?

When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.

Can DAP and FCA both be used for container shipments?

Yes. Both work for any mode of transport, including containers, air and road.

DAP vs FCA: who pays what

DAP is Delivered at Place. FCA is Free Carrier. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Main carriage (freight):DAPSeller·FCABuyer

Full cost split

Cost block	DAP	FCA
Export clearance	Seller	Seller
Carriage to port / terminal	Seller	Seller
Loading onto main carriage	Seller	Seller
Main carriage (freight)	Seller	Buyer
Insurance	Neither obliged	Neither obliged
Unloading at destination	Buyer	Buyer
Import clearance	Buyer	Buyer
Duties and import taxes	Buyer	Buyer
Risk passes	At the named destination, with the goods still on the arriving vehicle.	When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Transport mode	Any mode	Any mode

What people get wrong

DAP

If the buyer is slow to clear customs, the goods sit and the demurrage lands on the seller, who still controls the carriage contract.

FCA

The named place decides who loads. FCA at the seller’s premises means the seller loads; FCA at a terminal means they do not.

Questions

What is the main difference between DAP and FCA?: They split 1 cost block differently. main carriage (freight) falls to the seller under DAP and the buyer under FCA.
Where does risk pass under DAP?: At the named destination, with the goods still on the arriving vehicle.
Where does risk pass under FCA?: When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Can DAP and FCA both be used for container shipments?: Yes. Both work for any mode of transport, including containers, air and road.

Whichever term you agree, the paperwork has to say so

The Incoterm and named place belong on the commercial invoice, the packing list and the shipper's instructions — spelled the same way on each. ovrseas generates the set from one entry so they cannot disagree with each other.

Commercial invoice template

Compare other pairs

CFR vs DAP CFR vs FCA CIF vs DAP CIF vs FCA CIP vs DAP CIP vs FCA CPT vs DAP CPT vs FCA

Incoterms® is a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce. This page is an independent summary of how costs and risk are allocated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ICC. For contract drafting, use the official Incoterms® 2020 rules published by ICC.