By Yasmine EDDAM
1 May 2025
Sales by sea on arrival are a special category of contract in international trade. Unlike the more common outward sales, the transfer of risk is postponed until the goods arrive at their destination. This offers greater security for the buyer, but implies specific obligations for the seller. There are two main forms of sale under French law: sale on designated vessel and sale on shipment, each of which meets different commercial needs. Common features of sales on arrival Sales on arrival differ fundamentally from other maritime sales in the way they transfer risk. Transport at the seller's risk Article L. 5424-6 of the French Transport Code lays down the essential principle: in the case of incoming sales, "the goods travel at the seller's risk and expense". This provision constitutes a major difference from outward sales such as FAS, FOB, etc.
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