EXW- EX Works- the seller’s responsibility is minimal, only providing the goods at a specified location, while the buyer takes on all risks and costs from that point onward, including transport, loading, and potential damage.

FCA -the seller’s responsibility includes loading the goods onto the buyer’s transport and handling export clearance, while the buyer assumes risk and responsibility once the goods are made available at the agreed location

FAS (Free Alongside Ship) - the seller’s responsibility ends when goods are placed alongside the buyer's vessel at the named port. The buyer assumes all costs, risks, and responsibilities from that point onward, including loading and transportation. This term is typically used for bulk cargo like grain or oil at ports where direct access to the ship is possible.

The buyer is responsible for loading the goods onto the vessel and managing the freight, insurance, and any other formalities or costs needed for transport.
Seller’s Obligations: The seller ensures the goods are delivered alongside the ship at the specified port and fulfills any export clearance formalities.

FOB (Free On Board) t- he seller’s responsibility ends when the goods are loaded onto the buyer's nominated vessel at the named port. The seller handles delivery to the port and loading onto the vessel, while the buyer assumes all risks, costs, and responsibilities from that point onward, including transport to the final destination.

CFR (Cost and Freight) means the seller arranges and pays for transportation to the destination port but transfers risk to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the vessel. It's best for bulk or non-containerized goods and suits experienced exporters seeking control over freight arrangements and documentation.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) - requires the seller to handle transportation, minimum insurance, and carriage costs to the destination port, but risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the vessel. It’s ideal for bulk or non-containerized goods and suits experienced exporters managing freight and documentation, though CPT may be better for most exports.

CPT (Carriage Paid To) means the seller clears goods for export, delivers them to a carrier at a named place, and covers transport costs to the destination. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are handed to the carrier. The seller must file the EEI if required. Sellers favor CPT as their risk ends early, but buyers may dislike it due to assuming risk before controlling the goods.

CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) requires the seller to clear goods for export, deliver them to a carrier at a named place, and cover transportation and insurance costs to the destination. Risk transfers to the buyer once goods are handed to the carrier. CIP mandates insurance coverage of at least 110% of the goods' value under Clause A of the Institute Cargo Clauses. The seller must file the EEI if required. Sellers prefer CIP because they control transport arrangements while transferring risk early to the buyer.

DAP (Delivered At Place) means the seller is responsible for all charges and risks until the goods reach the named destination. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are ready for unloading, which the buyer handles along with import clearance. The seller must file the EEI if required. Precise destination details are essential, as risk and cost transfer occur there. Unloading costs are the buyer's responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) means the seller clears the goods for export, delivers them to the named destination, and unloads them, bearing all associated risks and costs. Risk transfers to the buyer after unloading, who then handles import clearance and further costs. DPU is often used for shipments with multiple consignees or special handling needs. Sellers must arrange unloading at the destination; otherwise, DAP may be more suitable. The seller must also file the EEI if required.

Nations that have ratified the convention (the United States
has not, not liking its deep-sea mining stipulations) have a right to a twelve
mile boundary from their coastline and also to a two-hundred-mile
“exclusive economic zone.”
"Ninety percent of everything" by Rose George