FAS (Free Alongside Ship)

Category: Incoterms

Also searched as: FAS

Definition (plain English)

Free Alongside Ship means the seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the named port, after which the buyer handles loading, main carriage, and onward risk and cost.

Why it matters commercially

FAS is relevant for certain bulk or break-bulk trades but can be risky if loading responsibility, port charges, and export clearance are not explicit.

Example

A trader used FAS for bagged commodity cargo but required written confirmation of port, export clearance, loading cost, and vessel readiness responsibilities.

Common mistake

Using FAS as a generic ocean term for container cargo without checking whether FOB or FCA better matches the handover.

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