What is the main difference between FAS and FCA?

They split 1 cost block differently. loading onto main carriage falls to the buyer under FAS and the seller under FCA.

Where does risk pass under FAS?

When the goods are alongside the ship — quay or barge — not yet on board.

Where does risk pass under FCA?

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

Can FAS and FCA both be used for container shipments?

FCA works for any mode of transport. FAS is written for sea and inland waterway transport only.

FAS vs FCA: who pays what

FAS is Free Alongside Ship. FCA is Free Carrier. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Loading onto main carriage:FASBuyer·FCASeller

Full cost split

Cost block	FAS	FCA
Export clearance	Seller	Seller
Carriage to port / terminal	Seller	Seller
Loading onto main carriage	Buyer	Seller
Main carriage (freight)	Buyer	Buyer
Insurance	Neither obliged	Neither obliged
Unloading at destination	Buyer	Buyer
Import clearance	Buyer	Buyer
Duties and import taxes	Buyer	Buyer
Risk passes	When the goods are alongside the ship — quay or barge — not yet on board.	When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Transport mode	Sea / inland waterway	Any mode

What people get wrong

FAS

Only sensible for bulk or break-bulk. For containers the goods leave the seller long before the quay, so FCA fits better.

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 FAS and FCA?: They split 1 cost block differently. loading onto main carriage falls to the buyer under FAS and the seller under FCA.
Where does risk pass under FAS?: When the goods are alongside the ship — quay or barge — not yet on board.
Where does risk pass under FCA?: When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Can FAS and FCA both be used for container shipments?: FCA works for any mode of transport. FAS is written for sea and inland waterway transport only.

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 FAS CFR vs FCA CIF vs FAS CIF vs FCA CIP vs FAS CIP vs FCA CPT vs FAS 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.