FOB Value Explained: Key Insights into Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

FOB, which stands for "free on board," refers to a shipping term that indicates when ownership and responsibility for goods transfer from the seller to the buyer. The FOB value is the price of goods at the point of origin, excluding costs such as carriage, insurance, and freight. Essentially, it represents the domestic price of goods in the country where they are produced.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a company in the United States sells machinery to a buyer in another country, the FOB value would be the price of the machinery at the seller's location, excluding shipping costs. The seller is responsible for the goods until they are loaded onto the transport vessel.

(Hypothetical example) A furniture manufacturer in California sells a shipment of chairs to a retailer in Canada. The FOB value is set at $10,000, which includes only the cost of the chairs, not the shipping fees.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
FOB Value Price of goods at the point of origin, excluding shipping costs. Focuses on ownership transfer at the shipping point.
CIF Value Cost, insurance, and freight included in the price of goods. Includes shipping and insurance costs, unlike FOB.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a transaction that uses FOB terms, ensure you understand the implications for ownership and liability. Review any contracts carefully to confirm the FOB value and related responsibilities. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms' templates to create or review shipping agreements. If the situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Use International shipping agreements
Ownership Transfer At the point of loading onto the transport
Exclusions Carriage, insurance, freight

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

FOB stands for "free on board," indicating the point at which ownership of goods transfers.