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.
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 refers to delivery on board the vessel.
Another Japanese rendering, emphasizing 'shipment delivery'. Rarely used in modern business.
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.
Please state the FOB price on the quotation.
Japanese equivalent, used in formal documents or explanations.
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.
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 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).
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).
The FOB price does not include freight.
FOB destination terms are not recommended for international transactions.