Should you use EXW or FCA incoterms when selling spirits to export markets post-Brexit?

**FCA is now the preferred incoterm for post-Brexit export sales.** While EXW places responsibility for export clearance on the buyer, members' experience and broker advice strongly favours FCA because it allows you to control your own export customs processes and maintain compliance documentation.

**Why FCA is recommended:** - **Control of export clearance** — You manage the UK export customs process yourself, rather than relying on the buyer to handle it - **Compliance documentation** — You can ensure HMRC receives the required export clearance documents, including the DTI-S8 form, which is critical if audited - **VAT zero-rating proof** — If your company zero-rates VAT on the invoice, you must be able to provide proof of export. With FCA, you retain sight of all export documents; with EXW, the buyer handles clearance and you may never see the proof - **Industry standard shift** — Members' broker reported that "most of our clients moved away from EXW post Brexit, and ship everything FCA"

**Key caveat:** With EXW, the buyer is responsible for UK export clearance, meaning you may never receive copies of the export clearance documents—a significant compliance risk if HMRC audits you. FCA eliminates this exposure by putting you in control of the process.