CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight
CIF, or Cost, Insurance and Freight, means Party A arranges and pays for sea freight and cargo insurance to the named destination port. However, cargo risk usually transfers from Party A to Party B once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the port of shipment.
Party Definition
For this CIF trade term page, the parties are defined as follows:
Responsibility Summary
Under CIF, Party A pays freight and insurance to the named destination port, while Party B usually takes cargo risk after the goods are loaded on board at the port of shipment.
| Item | Party A (Manufacturer / Seller) | Party B (Buyer / Purchaser) |
|---|---|---|
| Goods Preparation | Prepare goods according to confirmed order details. | Confirm product model, quantity, finish, packing and requirements. |
| Export Clearance | Handle export clearance under standard CIF. | Provide buyer or destination information when needed. |
| Loading on Vessel | Arrange loading of goods on board the vessel at the port of shipment. | Risk usually transfers after goods are loaded on board. |
| Freight to Destination Port | Arrange and pay sea freight cost to the named destination port. | Receive shipment at destination port and arrange next steps. |
| Cargo Insurance | Arrange cargo insurance under confirmed CIF terms. | Review insurance coverage and arrange extra insurance if higher protection is required. |
| Import Clearance | Not responsible for import clearance at destination. | Responsible for import clearance, duties, taxes and local customs fees. |
| Final Delivery | Not responsible for delivery after destination port unless agreed. | Arrange destination port handling, inland transport and final delivery. |
Party A Responsibilities
Party B Responsibilities
When CIF Is Suitable
CIF is usually suitable for sea freight orders when Party B wants Party A to arrange freight and cargo insurance to the destination port, while Party B handles import clearance and delivery after the goods arrive at the destination port.
If Party B does not need insurance arranged by Party A, CFR may be suitable. If Party B wants delivery to a final address instead of a destination port, DAP or DDP may be discussed depending on the destination and order type.
Need CIF Quotation for Bathroom Products?
Send your product models, quantity and destination port. Aqvia Bath can help review whether CIF is suitable for your bathroom product shipment.