The publication "ICC Guide to Incoterms" explains the function of each of 13 Incoterms defined by the ICC. These terms make international trading easier, helping traders to understand each other internationally. The term ‘FAS’ means Free Alongside Ship. Under FAS terms the seller delivers when the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. The buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that moment on". Some Incoterms are more familiar such as FOB (free on board), CFR (cost & freight), CIF (cost, insurance & freight). Others include CPT, DAF, DES, DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) and DDP. Incoterms came into being January 2000 to provide legal certainty and understanding, mutual confidence between business partners in an increasingly globalized trade. Other publications on the same theme are "Incoterm 2000 Multimedia Expert" and also a useful Wall Chart. Are you familiar with these terms? Publications can be obtained frim the Italian ICC Committee Mauro Ferrante tel 06 42034301 www.cciitalia.org E-mail icc@cciitalia.org