In which incoterm is the seller responsible for delivering goods to the port of shipment?

In the context of international trade, Free On Board (FOB) is the incoterm where the seller is responsible for delivering goods to the port of shipment. Under FOB, the seller's obligations extend up until the point where the goods are loaded onto the vessel designated by the buyer at the specified port. This means they must clear the goods for export and handle any necessary shipping and loading arrangements at the port before the risk and responsibility transfer to the buyer once the goods are on board. This incoterm is commonly used for sea and inland waterway transport.

FOB is pivotal in defining the responsibilities and risks associated with the shipment, ensuring that both parties understand their duties in the transportation process. While other terms like EXW (Ex Works) place minimal responsibility on the seller and shift most of the burden to the buyer, and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) includes responsibilities that extend beyond just the port of shipment, FOB serves a clear purpose in delineating the seller’s obligations specifically up to the loading at the port.