Key:
Seller / Exporter responsible
Buyer / Importer responsible
* Risk and cost transfer at the same point unless otherwise noted
Typical Shipment Journey
Seller's
Premises
Premises
Origin
Inland
Inland
Export
Customs
Customs
Port of
Loading
Loading
Main
Carriage
Carriage
Port of
Discharge
Discharge
Import
Customs
Customs
Buyer's
Door
Door
| Term | Seller's Premises |
Origin Inland |
Export Customs |
Port of Loading |
Main Carriage |
Port of Discharge |
Import Customs |
Buyer's Door |
|---|
🚢 Sea & Inland Waterway Only
FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF apply exclusively to sea freight. For containerised shipments, FCA, CPT and CIP are generally preferred as risk transfers earlier (at the container yard).
✈️ All Modes of Transport
EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU and DDP apply to all transport modes including air, road, rail and multimodal shipments.
⚠️ DDP — Duty Paid by Seller
Under DDP the seller bears maximum responsibility, including import duties and taxes at destination. Sellers must be able to handle customs clearance in the buyer's country.
📦 EXW — Minimum Seller Obligation
Under EXW the seller simply makes goods available at their premises. The buyer arranges and pays for everything including export customs — maximum risk for the buyer.