FAS
FAS (Free Alongside Ship) is a sea and inland-waterway Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, by placing them alongside the vessel (on the quay or on a barge) at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers to the buyer at that point, and the buyer bears the cost and risk of loading, ocean carriage and onward from there.
FAS is used mainly for bulk or break-bulk cargo — such as commodities loaded directly at the quayside — rather than containers, for which FCA is more appropriate. It is one of the four sea-only Incoterms, alongside FOB, CFR and CIF.
FAS fits a specific world — bulk commodities delivered to the quay beside a chartered vessel. For containerised cargo it is the wrong tool (the container is handed to a terminal, not placed alongside a ship), where FCA applies. Knowing FAS is a sea-only, alongside-the-ship term keeps it from being misused.
When is FAS appropriate?
For bulk or break-bulk sea cargo delivered alongside the vessel; for containers, use FCA.
Who clears the goods for export under FAS?
The seller places the goods alongside the ship cleared for export; the buyer takes over from there.