Ex Works
EXWThe seller makes the goods available at its premises or another named place; the buyer manages almost everything from collection onward.
Last reviewed: 30 September 2026
Professional definition
The seller makes the goods available at its premises or another named place; the buyer manages almost everything from collection onward. The named place must be stated precisely and the parties should identify the Incoterms® 2020 version.
Example
A Birmingham maker places packed machinery at its factory for a Canadian buyer to collect.
Where it is used
Any mode. Name the seller's premises or precise collection point: EXW [place], Incoterms® 2020.
EXW responsibilities
Seller
- Pack and mark the goods
- Make the goods available on the agreed date
- Provide the commercial invoice and agreed proof of conformity
Buyer
- Load at the collection point
- Arrange all carriage and insurance
- Complete export, transit and import formalities where legally possible
- Delivery point
- Name the seller's premises or precise collection point: EXW [place], Incoterms® 2020.
- Risk transfer
- Transfers when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal at the named place, not loaded on the collecting vehicle.
- Cost responsibilities
- Seller pays packing and making the goods available. Buyer pays loading and every cost from collection onward.
- Insurance
- Neither party must insure. The buyer normally insures from collection.
- Customs
- Export: Buyer; this can be impractical where local law requires a resident exporter. FCA is often safer for cross-border trade.. Import: Buyer. Buyer pays export and import duties, taxes and clearance charges.
Common mistakes and things to remember
Incoterms® allocate delivery, risk, cost and customs tasks; they do not determine title, payment, product compliance or every contract obligation.
Source
Use the linked authority and applicable national guidance for current requirements.