Since January 2020 the Incoterms 2020 are in effect. Every ten years these Incoterms are updated.
You can read more about the most important changes compared to Incoterms 2010 in one of our earlier blogs in the Incoterms series. The Incoterms we explained until now have been terms that are applicable to all modalities, road, rail, water, and air. The Incoterm in this blog is one of the Incoterms specifically for transport over water: Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF).
When goods are bought or sold via “Cost, Insurance, and Freight” (CIF) it means that the Seller is responsible for delivery of the goods to a ship, loading the goods onto the ship, and insuring the shipment until it reaches the port of destination. This insurance is based on the minimum coverage, which is the commercial value of the product, plus 10 %. The seller is also responsible for any export documentation and export licenses if needed. Also, the seller is responsible in case of any inspections.
Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) is an Incoterm which is mainly used for bulk cargo, oil and oversized goods.
Risks and Costs for the Seller
The seller is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to the port of destination. The seller is also responsible for all export formalities. While the seller pays for transportation and insurance to the port of destination, the risk for the cargo transfers to the buyer the moment the shipment is loaded on the vessel. The seller is responsible for all costs related to exporting the shipment from the country of origin.
Risks and Costs for the Buyer
The risk for the shipment passes to the buyer when the shipment is loaded onto the vessel. The buyer is responsible for unloading the goods off the ship at the port of destination. Costs for offloading and onward transportation at the port of destination are for the buyer. The Buyer is responsible for all costs related to importing the shipment into the country of destination.
Potential Issues for the Seller
Because risk is transferred to the buyer once the shipment is loaded, the risk is relatively low. Until the shipment is loaded, the seller is responsible for any loss or damage.
Potential Issues for the Buyer
Seller only arranges for offloading and transportation to the end destination. The largest part of the costs are controlled by the buyer, so there is a risk of overcharging. Seller may also select options for transportation that are more costly than the buyer would have.
Use of Cost, Insurance, and Freight
CIF can be used for transportation over water, both overseas and inland. It is used for bulk cargo, oils, and oversized goods. CIF should be used in cases where the seller has direct access to the vessel for loading. In the case of containerized goods, it is better to use Carriage and Insurance Paid (CIP)
CIF Under Incoterms 2020
The new Incoterms 2020, which were launched earlier this year by the ICC are now in effect. The Incoterms 2010, which you can find in our earlier post here, will still be valid. As long as both parties agree to the terms, they are. There are no changes to Cost, Insurance, and Freight under the Incoterms 2020.
If you have any questions on Cost, Insurance, and Freight or any of the other Incoterms, contact one of our experts.
As an expert in international trade and logistics, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of the topic. Over the years, I've navigated the complexities of various Incoterms, staying abreast of updates and changes in the field. My experience extends to diverse modalities, encompassing road, rail, water, and air transport. Today, I'll delve into the specifics of one crucial Incoterm, particularly tailored for water transport: Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF).
Incoterms 2020 and Evolution:
Since January 2020, the Incoterms 2020 have been in effect, marking a decade since the last update. This regular revision ensures that international trade practices stay relevant and effective. The Incoterms 2020 maintain continuity with their 2010 predecessors, but it's crucial to note any changes that might impact trade operations.
Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) in Detail:
CIF is an Incoterm designed specifically for the transport of goods over water. When goods are bought or sold under CIF terms, the Seller shoulders the responsibility for delivering the goods to a ship, loading them onto the ship, and insuring the shipment until it reaches the port of destination.
Seller's Responsibilities:
- Transportation and Loading: The seller arranges and pays for transportation to the port of destination and is responsible for loading the goods onto the ship.
- Insurance Coverage: The seller provides insurance coverage for the shipment, based on the minimum coverage (commercial value of the product plus 10%).
- Export Formalities: The seller handles export documentation, export licenses if required, and any inspections.
Risks and Costs for the Seller:
- The seller bears the risks and costs until the shipment is loaded onto the vessel.
Buyer's Responsibilities:
- Unloading and Onward Transportation: The buyer is responsible for unloading the goods at the port of destination and for onward transportation.
- Import Formalities: Costs related to importing the shipment into the country of destination are the buyer's responsibility.
Risks and Costs for the Buyer:
- The buyer assumes the risks once the shipment is loaded onto the vessel.
Use and Applicability:
CIF is primarily used for bulk cargo, oils, and oversized goods in water transport scenarios. It is suitable when the seller has direct access to the vessel for loading. However, for containerized goods, Carriage and Insurance Paid (CIP) may be a more suitable Incoterm.
Incoterms 2020 and CIF:
Under Incoterms 2020, CIF remains unchanged from its 2010 counterpart. The terms are valid as long as both parties agree to them. It's essential for practitioners in international trade to stay informed about these terms to ensure smooth and efficient transactions.
In conclusion, Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) play a pivotal role in international trade, particularly in the context of water transport. The delineation of responsibilities, risks, and costs is fundamental for both buyers and sellers to execute successful transactions. If you have any questions regarding CIF or other Incoterms, feel free to reach out to experts well-versed in the intricacies of international trade.
