# FAS, Free Alongside Ship (Incoterms 2020)

FAS (Free Alongside Ship) means the seller clears the goods for export and places them alongside the buyer's nominated vessel at the named port of shipment; risk passes there, and the buyer pays for loading and the sea voyage. It is for sea and inland waterway only.

- Transport: sea and inland waterway only
- Delivery and risk transfer: Alongside the vessel nominated by the buyer (on the quay or a barge) at the named port of shipment.
- Seller's costs run to: Alongside ship

## Responsibilities

| Job | Who |
|---|---|
| Export clearance | Seller |
| Loading at origin | Buyer (on board) |
| Main carriage | Buyer |
| Insurance | No obligation |
| Unloading at destination | Buyer |
| Import clearance and duties | Buyer |

## Common mistakes

- **Containers** FAS suits bulk and break-bulk cargo such as grain, logs or heavy machinery. Containers are handed over at a terminal, so FCA fits better.
- **Loading costs** Loading onto the ship is the buyer's cost and risk; port practice can differ, so state who pays terminal handling.
- **Vessel nomination** The seller cannot deliver until the buyer names the ship and the loading date in time.

## FAS or FOB?

FOB moves the delivery point one step further: the seller also loads the goods on board.

Incoterms® is a trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce; CartonMath is not affiliated with the ICC.

## FAQ

**What does FAS mean?**
FAS (Free Alongside Ship) means the seller clears the goods for export and places them alongside the buyer's nominated vessel at the named port of shipment; risk passes there, and the buyer pays for loading and the sea voyage. It is for sea and inland waterway only.

**When does risk pass under FAS?**
Alongside the vessel nominated by the buyer (on the quay or a barge) at the named port of shipment.

**Who pays the main freight under FAS?**
The buyer arranges and pays the main carriage.

**Who pays import duties under FAS?**
The buyer clears the goods for import and pays any duties and taxes under FAS.

**Can FAS be used for container shipments?**
FAS is a sea and inland waterway rule. For containers, the ICC recommends FCA instead, because containers are handed over at a terminal before loading.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/incoterms/fas/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)