Meaning
EXW stands for Ex Works. The seller makes the goods available to the buyer at the named place, commonly the seller’s premises or another specified location, under the conditions of the selected Incoterms rule.
Operational implications
EXW places substantial transport and formalities responsibilities on the buyer. The parties should confirm whether the buyer can practically perform the required actions in the seller’s jurisdiction and whether the planned loading arrangement matches the rule.
Name the place precisely
A warehouse name alone may be ambiguous. Include enough location detail for both parties and their logistics providers to identify where availability and collection are expected.
Questions before selection
- Who will load the collecting vehicle?
- Can the buyer perform or arrange the relevant export formalities?
- What evidence will show that the goods were made available and collected?
- Would another rule better reflect the parties’ actual capabilities?
The answer should follow the real transaction, not a default term printed on an old template.