Incoterms 2020 FAS: Spotlight on Free Alongside Ship

Incoterms 2020 rules are the latest revision of international trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They are recognized as the authoritative text for determining how costs and risks are allocated to the parties conducting international transactions.

Incoterms 2020 rules outline whether the seller or the buyer is responsible for, and must assume the cost of, specific standard tasks that are part of the international transport of goods. In addition, they identify when the risk or liability of the goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

In this article, we’re discussing the Incoterm FAS, also known as Free Alongside Ship.

There are 11 trade terms available under the Incoterms 2020 rules that range from Ex Works (EXW), which conveys the least amount of responsibility and risk on the seller, to Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which places the most responsibility and risk on the seller. The Incoterms 2020 Rules: Chart of Responsibilities and Transfer of Risk summarizes the seller and buyer responsibilities under each of the 11 terms.

For a summary of Incoterms 2020 and a short definition of each of the 11 terms, read An Introduction to Incoterms.

Free Alongside Ship Responsibilities and Risk

Under the Incoterms 2020 rules, FAS means the seller has fulfilled its obligation when the goods are made available alongside the vessel (for example, a quay or barge) nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. The buyer is responsible for loading the goods on their transport and everything else necessary to get the goods to the final destination.

The risk or liability for the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer when the goods are alongside the ship, and the buyer bears costs from that point forward.

Free Alongside Ship Transportation Options

The ICC has divided the 11 Incoterms into those that can be used for any mode of transportation and those that should only be used for transport by “sea and inland waterway.” That’s because companies were choosing Incoterms where risk and responsibilities transferred at a point that made no sense in a non-ocean journey.

Under Incoterms 2020, FAS should only be used for sea and inland waterway transport.

Using Free Alongside Ship

FAS is normally used only in a few instances with bulk cargo, such as oil or grain. Except for a few undeveloped or small ports, rarely will you have access to drop things off right at the side of a ship, so this term is not commonly used for liner service. It is sometimes used for charters, part charters, boat carriers, heavy lift or out-of-gage shipments where the actual loading of the vessel may be difficult.

Learn More about Incoterms 2020 Rules

If you are regularly involved in international trade, you need to understand the risks and responsibilities for each of the Incoterms 2020 rules, not just pick the term you always use. Start by getting a copy of ICC's Incoterms® 2020 Rules book.

For a more detailed understanding of which term or terms make the most sense for your company, register for an Incoterms® 2020 Rules seminar or webinar offered by International Business Training. If you don't want to attend a half-day class, you can get the book provided at these seminars and webinars: Incoterms® 2020 for Importers and Exporters.

Read our articles about each of the Incoterms 2020 rules here:

• EXW (Ex Works)
• FCA (Free Carrier)
• FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
• FOB (Free On Board) 
• CFR (Cost and Freight)
• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
• CPT (Carriage Paid To)
• CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
• DAP (Delivered At Place)
• DPU (Delivered At Place Unloaded)
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

If history is any indication, the Incoterms 2020 rules will be around for at least a decade. Now seems like the perfect time to make sure you understand each of the terms, so you can make sure you’re speaking the same language as your international trading partner.

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This article was first published in July 2017 and has been updated and revised based on the changes made with the release of the Incoterms 2020 rules.