FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
A sea-only Incoterm where the seller clears goods for export and places them beside the buyer's vessel at the named port of shipment.
TL;DR: FAS means the seller clears the goods for export and places them alongside the ship at the agreed port, for example on the quay. Risk passes to the buyer at that point, before loading.
FAS is only for sea and inland waterway transport. The buyer names the vessel and the loading point. The seller delivers the goods next to that vessel and handles export clearance. From there, the buyer pays for loading, ocean freight, insurance, import clearance and duties.
The rule is mainly used for bulk cargo and for large or heavy items that are loaded directly from the quay, such as machinery or project cargo. It is rarely used for containerized goods, because containers are handed over at a terminal well before they reach the ship’s side.
For most buyers of finished goods in cartons, crates or pallets, FAS is not a good fit. Tile and mosaic shipments usually move in containers, either FCL or LCL, so FCA or FOB describes the handover more accurately. If a supplier offers FAS for container cargo, ask exactly where and when the goods will be handed over.
The main difference from FOB is the point of delivery. Under FAS, risk passes before the goods are lifted onto the ship. Under FOB, risk passes once they are on board. Compare with FOB and FCA.