---
title: "Foq"
description: "Free On Quay"
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/foq"
date: "2026-05-02T17:10:52+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # FOQ (Free On Quay): A Comprehensive Guide for UK Businesses

## Understanding FOQ: What Does Free On Quay Mean?

In the intricate world of international trade, understanding shipping Incoterms is paramount for businesses to manage costs, risks, and responsibilities effectively. Among these, FOQ, or "Free On Quay," is a less commonly encountered but crucial term, particularly in specific port operations. While not one of the official Incoterms 2020 rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), FOQ is a commercial term that defines a specific point of delivery and transfer of risk, often used in bulk cargo or specialised port scenarios.

At its core, FOQ signifies that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified quay (dock or wharf) at the named port of destination. This includes all costs and risks associated with bringing the goods to that point, including export customs clearance, transportation to the port of loading, ocean or air freight, and any charges incurred to get the cargo onto the quay at the destination. Once the goods are safely on the quay, the risk and responsibility for the goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

For UK businesses engaged in global trade, a clear understanding of FOQ is vital to avoid misunderstandings, unexpected costs, and potential disputes. Ocean Cargo, with over 25 years of experience in global logistics, provides expert guidance to navigate these complexities, ensuring your shipments are handled with precision and transparency.

## Seller's Responsibilities Under FOQ

Under FOQ terms, the seller undertakes a significant portion of the shipping journey. Their responsibilities are comprehensive and extend right up to the point of delivery at the destination quay. These typically include:

- **Export Packaging:** Ensuring goods are appropriately packed for international transit.
- **Pre-carriage:** Transporting goods from the seller's premises to the port of loading.
- **Export Customs Formalities:** Handling all necessary export licenses, permits, and customs declarations in the country of origin.
- **Loading Charges:** Costs associated with loading the goods onto the main carrier (e.g., vessel or aircraft) at the port of origin.
- **Main Carriage:** Paying for the freight costs (sea freight or air freight) to transport the goods to the named port of destination.
- **Discharge Costs:** Covering the costs of unloading the goods from the main carrier at the destination port.
- **Delivery to Quay:** Ensuring the goods are moved from the ship's side or aircraft to the specified quay at the destination port.
- **Risk Transfer:** Bearing all risks of loss or damage to the goods until they are safely placed on the quay at the destination.

It's crucial for sellers to factor all these costs into their pricing to ensure profitability and avoid unexpected expenses. Ocean Cargo assists sellers in accurately calculating these costs and managing the logistics chain efficiently, whether it's [sea freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) to Canada or [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) to the USA.

## Buyer's Responsibilities Under FOQ

While the seller handles the initial stages, the buyer's responsibilities commence once the goods are on the quay at the destination port. These responsibilities include:

- **Taking Delivery:** Arranging for the collection of goods from the specified quay.
- **Import Customs Formalities:** Handling all import duties, taxes, and [customs clearance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance "customs clearance") procedures in the country of destination. This is a critical area where [customs compliance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) expertise, like that offered by Ocean Cargo, becomes invaluable.
- **On-carriage:** Arranging and paying for the transportation of goods from the destination quay to the buyer's final premises.
- **Further Loading/Unloading:** Costs associated with loading the goods onto the buyer's transport and unloading at their final destination.
- **Risk Transfer:** Assuming all risks of loss or damage to the goods from the moment they are on the quay at the destination port.

Buyers must be prepared for these costs and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth transition of goods from the port to their final destination. Ocean Cargo provides comprehensive [customs brokerage for the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/customs-brokerage-usa) and other key markets, simplifying the import process for our clients.

## FOQ vs. Other Incoterms: Key Differences

Understanding how FOQ compares to official Incoterms helps clarify its specific application:

- **FOQ vs. FOB (Free On Board):** Under FOB, risk transfers when goods pass the ship's rail at the \*port of loading\*. Under FOQ, risk transfers much later, when goods are on the \*quay at the port of destination\*. This means the seller bears the main carriage risk under FOQ, unlike FOB.
- **FOQ vs. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) / CFR (Cost and Freight):** With CIF/CFR, the seller pays for main carriage to the destination port, but risk transfers at the port of loading. FOQ extends both cost and risk to the destination quay.
- **FOQ vs. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):** DDP is the most seller-friendly Incoterm, where the seller bears all costs and risks, including import duties and taxes, right up to the buyer's premises. FOQ places import duties and onward transport responsibility on the buyer.
- **FOQ vs. DAP (Delivered At Place):** Under DAP, the seller delivers goods to a named place of destination, ready for unloading, with import clearance and duties being the buyer's responsibility. FOQ specifically names the quay as the delivery point.

The key takeaway is that FOQ places a greater burden of cost and risk on the seller compared to many other common Incoterms, extending their responsibility further into the destination country's logistics chain. This makes precise communication and agreement on the named quay absolutely essential.

## When is FOQ Typically Used?

While not as universally applied as some Incoterms, FOQ finds its niche in specific scenarios:

- **Bulk Cargo:** Often used for bulk commodities like grains, minerals, or chemicals where goods are discharged directly onto a quay for immediate onward transport or storage.
- **Specialised Ports:** In ports with specific [infrastructure](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "infrastructure") or handling procedures where the quay is the natural and agreed-upon point of transfer.
- **Project Cargo:** For large, complex shipments where the seller is responsible for delivering oversized or heavy items directly to a designated area on the quay, such as [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae) or [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia).
- **Seller's Control:** When the seller has strong relationships with carriers and port operators at the destination and prefers to manage the entire journey up to the quay.

It's vital for both parties to clearly define the "named quay" in the sales contract to avoid any ambiguity regarding the exact point of delivery and risk transfer. Ocean Cargo's expertise in [road freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) and [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "project logistics") ensures seamless onward movement from the quay.

## Advantages and Disadvantages of Using FOQ

### Advantages for the Buyer:

- **Reduced Initial Risk:** The seller bears the risk for a significant portion of the journey, including main carriage and discharge.
- **Simplified Logistics (Early Stages):** The buyer doesn't need to worry about international freight arrangements or discharge at the destination port.
- **Clear Delivery Point:** The quay provides a tangible and easily identifiable point of delivery.

### Disadvantages for the Buyer:

- **Less Control Over Main Carriage:** The buyer has no say in the choice of carrier or route for the international leg.
- **Potential for Higher Costs:** The seller will likely build all their costs and a margin into the product price, which might be higher than if the buyer arranged freight themselves.
- **Import Clearance Responsibility:** The buyer is still responsible for all import duties and taxes, which can be complex.

### Advantages for the Seller:

- **Control Over Logistics:** The seller maintains control over the entire shipping process up to the destination quay, potentially leveraging their preferred carriers and rates.
- **Competitive Edge:** Offering a more comprehensive delivery service can be attractive to buyers who prefer less logistical involvement.

### Disadvantages for the Seller:

- **Higher Risk Exposure:** The seller bears risk for a longer duration and over a greater geographical distance.
- **Increased Costs:** All freight, insurance, and discharge costs must be covered by the seller.
- **Dependency on Destination Port:** The seller is reliant on the efficiency of the destination port for timely discharge and placement on the quay.

Ocean Cargo advises both buyers and sellers on the optimal Incoterm for their specific trade routes and cargo types, ensuring a balanced and fair distribution of responsibilities.

## Navigating FOQ with Ocean Cargo

Whether you are a seller looking to offer comprehensive delivery terms or a buyer receiving goods under FOQ, partnering with an experienced freight forwarder like Ocean Cargo is invaluable. We provide:

- **Expert Consultation:** Guidance on Incoterms, risk management, and cost optimisation.
- **Seamless Logistics:** Managing [sea freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/), [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/), and [road freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) to ensure timely and secure delivery.
- **Customs Compliance:** Expert handling of export and import customs procedures, minimising delays and ensuring regulatory adherence.
- **Global Network:** Leveraging our extensive network to manage your cargo efficiently at both origin and destination ports.
- **Transparent Communication:** Keeping you informed at every stage of your shipment's journey.

Ocean Cargo is your strategic partner, simplifying complex supply chains and ensuring your goods move efficiently and reliably across borders. Our hands-on, consultative approach builds strong client relationships, founded on integrity and flawless execution.

#### Is FOQ an official Incoterm 2020 rule?

No, FOQ (Free On Quay) is not one of the official 11 Incoterms 2020 rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is a commercial term that is sometimes used in specific trade agreements, particularly for bulk or project cargo, but it lacks the standardised legal backing of official Incoterms. Parties using FOQ should clearly define its terms in their contract.

#### Who pays for import duties under FOQ?

Under FOQ terms, the buyer is responsible for all import duties, taxes, and other charges associated with [customs clearance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance "customs clearance") in the country of destination. The seller's responsibility ends once the goods are safely on the quay at the named port of destination.

#### When does risk transfer from seller to buyer under FOQ?

The risk of loss or damage to the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer when the goods have been safely placed on the quay at the named port of destination. This means the seller bears the risk for the entire journey up to that point, including main carriage and discharge.

#### Can Ocean Cargo help with shipments under FOQ terms?

Absolutely. Ocean Cargo has extensive experience in managing complex logistics under various trade terms, including FOQ. We can assist both sellers and buyers with pre-carriage, main carriage, discharge, [customs compliance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/), and onward delivery, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. Our team provides expert advice to clarify responsibilities and optimise your supply chain.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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