Ex Works means the seller makes the goods available at their premises. The buyer handles loading, export clearance, all transport, insurance and import.

Where does risk transfer under EXW?

Risk transfers when the goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the seller’s premises, before loading.

Is EXW good for international shipments?

It can be awkward because the buyer is responsible for export clearance in the seller’s country. FCA is often more practical for cross-border moves.

Who loads the vehicle under EXW?

The buyer is responsible for loading unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

Does EXW include insurance?

No. Insurance is optional and normally arranged by the buyer.

What documents should match under EXW?

Commercial Invoice, Packing List and any export licences should align with shipment details to avoid delays.

EXW (Ex Works) | Responsibilities, Risk Point, When To Use

Last updated: 18 August 2025

What is EXW?

EXW (Ex Works) means the seller makes the goods available at their premises. From that point the buyer is responsible for loading, export clearance, main carriage, insurance if desired, import clearance and delivery to the final destination.

Risk and responsibility

Task	Party	Notes
Packing and making goods available	Seller	Goods at seller’s premises
Loading at seller’s site	Buyer	Unless otherwise agreed in writing
Export clearance	Buyer	Often impractical for the buyer to do remotely
Main carriage and insurance	Buyer	Insurance optional
Import clearance, duties and delivery	Buyer	At destination country

When to use EXW

Domestic sales and collections where the buyer controls the pickup.
Simple transactions where the buyer prefers to manage the full export and transport chain.

Common pitfalls

Export clearance is the buyer’s responsibility which may be difficult in the seller’s country.
Loading risks and damage at collection fall to the buyer.
Trade compliance can be harder to manage at arm’s length.

For cross-border moves consider FCA, where the seller clears export and delivers to the buyer’s carrier.

How Clintopia helps

We can coordinate export formalities and secure collections. If you are currently buying on EXW and want less risk, switch to FCA. For border paperwork and tariff codes, see Customs Clearance. For complete movements by any mode, see Freight Forwarding.

Buyer collects from seller’s premises and manages export, transport and import

EXW (Ex Works)

EXW (Ex Works)

What is EXW?

Risk and responsibility

When to use EXW

Common pitfalls

How Clintopia helps

Related terms

Need to talk to a logistics expert?

EXW — FAQs