FCA stands for Free Carrier…(named place), which means free carrier (…designated place). It means that the seller handles export customs clearance and delivers the goods to the designated place at the specified time and place for the care of the carrier or transportation agent designated by the buyer, thus fulfilling the delivery obligation.
FCA applies to all modes of transport, including multimodal transport.
Basic obligations of the buyer and seller
(1) Seller’s obligations
① Deliver the goods specified in the contract to the carrier designated by the buyer at the time and place specified in the contract, and notify the buyer in a timely manner.
② Bear all risks and costs before handing over the goods to the carrier.
③ Obtain official export certificates at its own risk and expense, and handle all customs formalities required for the export of goods, pay export tariffs and other related fees. ④ Submit invoices and other relevant goods certificates required by the contract, or electronic records or program certificates with equivalent functions.
(2 Buyer’s Obligations
① Sign a contract to transport goods from a designated location, pay the relevant freight, and notify the seller of the name of the carrier and relevant information in a timely manner.
According to the provisions of the sales contract, promptly receive the goods and pay the purchase price.
③ Bear all risks and expenses incurred after receiving the goods.
④ At its own risk and expense, obtain the import license or other official documents required for the import of goods, and go through the import procedures.