Translation guide
FOB (Free on Board) is a trade term defining when the seller's responsibility ends and the buyer's begins during shipping. In Japanese business contexts, the English acronym is widely used, but understanding the underlying concepts and related terms is essential.
The seller delivers goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers when goods are on board.
The English acronym is standard in Japanese trade documents and conversation. Pronounced エフオービー.
本取引の貿易条件はFOB東京です。
The trade terms for this transaction are FOB Tokyo.
Literal Japanese translation meaning 'delivery on board the vessel'. Used in explanations but less common in contracts than the acronym.
FOBとは本船渡しのことを指します。
FOB refers to delivery on board the vessel.
Another Japanese rendering, emphasizing 'shipment delivery'. Rarely used in modern business.
旧契約では船積み渡し条件が使われていた。
The old contract used FOB terms.
The price of goods including all costs up to delivery on board the vessel, excluding freight and insurance.
Standard term for FOB price.
見積書にはFOB価格を記載してください。
Please state the FOB price on the quotation.
Japanese equivalent, used in formal documents or explanations.
本船渡し価格は運賃を含みません。
The FOB price does not include freight.
In some contexts, especially US domestic, FOB can specify where title transfers. This distinction is less common in international trade under Incoterms.
In Japan, international FOB always means the Incoterms rule. For domestic transactions, clarify by stating the location. Avoid direct translation of 'FOB destination' as it may confuse.
国内取引では、FOB東京は当社の倉庫での引き渡しを意味します。
For domestic transactions, FOB Tokyo means delivery at our warehouse.
Literal translation of 'FOB destination'. May cause misunderstanding in international contexts; use with caution.
This term is not standard under Incoterms and may lead to confusion. Prefer clarifying the exact point of transfer.
FOB仕向地条件は国際取引では推奨されません。
FOB destination terms are not recommended for international transactions.
FOB means the buyer arranges and pays for main carriage. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the seller arranges and pays for carriage and insurance to the named port. In Japanese, CIF is also used as is (シーアイエフ).
FOBとCIFの違いは運賃と保険料の負担です。
The difference between FOB and CIF is who bears the freight and insurance costs.
In formal contracts, always use 'FOB' (Incoterms 2020) rather than Japanese translations like 本船渡し, unless the contract explicitly defines the term. This prevents ambiguity in international disputes.
Always include the named port after FOB, e.g., FOB Yokohama. In Japanese, write FOB横浜 (エフオービーよこはま).