EXW at a glance
Under EXW, the seller makes the goods available at its premises or another named place. The buyer bears nearly all costs and risks from that point forward.
Shipment
- Named location
- Named place (usually seller’s premises)
- Delivery point
- When goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer at the named place
- Risk transfer
- When goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place
Responsibilities
- Main carriage
- Buyer arranges and pays
- Export clearance
- Buyer
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Insurance
- Neither party is required by EXW to contract for cargo insurance.
Contract
- Common comparison
- Compare with FCAFCA usually fits export shipments better when the seller should clear export formalities.
Illustrative notation: EXW Houston warehouse, Incoterms® 2020. Customize and copy below ->
Responsibility journey
- Delivery point
- When goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer at the named place
- Risk transfer
- When goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place
Seller / exporter
- Cost
- Seller
- Handoff
- Delivery + risk transfer
Origin pickup
- Cost
- Buyer
Export clearance
- Cost
- Buyer
- Export
- Buyer
Origin terminal
- Cost
- Buyer
Carrier handoff
- Cost
- Buyer
Main carriage
- Cost
- Buyer
Destination terminal
- Cost
- Buyer
Import clearance
- Cost
- Buyer
- Import
- Buyer
Final delivery
- Cost
- Buyer
Buyer / importer
- Cost
- Buyer
Who pays what under EXW?
EXW places minimum obligation on the seller. Once goods are made available, the buyer typically handles loading, export, main carriage, import, and delivery—unless the parties agree otherwise outside the rule.
Seller does
- Provide conforming goods and commercial documents
- Make goods available at the named place on the agreed date
- Assist with information the buyer needs for export/import, at the buyer’s risk and cost
Buyer does
- Take delivery when goods are made available
- Arrange loading (unless otherwise agreed outside the rule)
- Handle export and import clearance
- Arrange and pay main carriage and on-carriage
Not determined by the EXW rule alone
- Cargo insurance contract
- Title/ownership transfer terms
When to use EXW
When EXW fits
- Domestic handoffs or buyers with strong origin capability
- Situations where the buyer controls the entire logistics chain from the seller’s door
When to use EXW with caution
- Cross-border shipments where the buyer cannot practically handle export formalities
- Cases where loading liability at the seller’s site is unclear
EXW shipment example
A machinery seller in Dallas makes a packed unit available at its warehouse. The buyer’s carrier collects the unit, completes U.S. export formalities, and moves the cargo to Europe. Risk transfers when the goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the warehouse—not when they arrive overseas.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the seller must load the truck or arrange export clearance
- Using EXW for international moves when FCA would better match operational reality
How do you write EXW in a contract?
Include the acronym, the exact named location, and the edition.
Contract notation builder
Build an illustrative line with the acronym, named place or port, and Incoterms® 2020. Parties must agree the exact location; this does not create a contract.
EXW Houston warehouse, Incoterms® 2020Edition is fixed to Incoterms® 2020. Catalog example: EXW Houston warehouse, Incoterms® 2020
Does EXW include insurance?
Neither party is required by EXW to contract for cargo insurance.
EXW compared with related terms
Use these comparisons when the shipment mode, handoff point, or insurance need does not match EXW.
EXW vs. FCA
FCA usually fits export shipments better when the seller should clear export formalities.
FCA usually fits export shipments better when the seller should clear export formalities.
Open FCA details ->EXW vs. FOB
FOB is sea/inland-waterway only and delivery occurs on board, not at the seller’s door.
FOB is sea/inland-waterway only and delivery occurs on board, not at the seller’s door.
Open FOB details ->
Frequently asked questions
Who handles export clearance under EXW?
Under EXW Incoterms® 2020, export clearance is generally the buyer’s responsibility, which is why EXW is often impractical for many cross-border shipments.
Does EXW include loading?
EXW does not require the seller to load the collecting vehicle. If the seller loads, parties should document that arrangement separately.
Related Crane services
When research turns into an operational shipment, connect the term to the teams that execute freight, clearance, insurance, and trade advice.
Service
Ground Services
We have both national and international trucking services available to suit our client's needs. Request a trucking quote today!
Explore Ground Services →
Service
Customs Brokerage
Crane Worldwide Logistics offer certified customs brokerage services throughout the United States. Need a customs broker? Get in touch with a customs agent today!
Explore Customs Brokerage →
Service
Trade Advisory
Our international trade advisory services program is designed to deliver expert international trade and compliance information when you need it the most.
Explore Trade Advisory →Unsure which shipping term fits your movement?
Talk with a Crane trade or customs specialist about transport mode, handoff points, documentation, and clearance responsibilities. This guidance is educational and is not legal advice; the parties remain responsible for selecting contractual terms.
Stay informed
Get market updates, trade advisories, and industry insights before they impact your operations.
- Market Update
- Industry Insights
- Trade Advisories
Last reviewed July 30, 2026. Edition reference: Incoterms® 2020 (not a new calendar-year edition).