The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) established a collection of
international commerce terms, known as Incoterms, which govern shipping responsibilities for international trade. A series of three-letter trade terms related to common contractual sales practices, the Incoterms rules are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs, and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods. The purpose of establishing Incoterms was to facilitate trade by providing standard contract terms that can easily be recognized in a variety of languages.
Rules for sea and inland waterway transport
FOB Free on Board (named port of shipment) CFR Cost and Freight (named port of destination) CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight (named port of destination)
Definition of FOB according to Incoterms 2010 rules
FOB means Free on Board. According to incoterms 2010 rules, an exporter (Seller) delivers the goods to the importer once the goods shipped on board a named vessel at the port of loading. Exporter neither arranges the transportation from port of loading to port of discharge, nor pays for the freight cost under FOB terms. Additionally exporter has no obligation against the importer in regards to marine insurance. Definition of CFR according to Incoterms 2010 rules CFR means Cost and Freight. According to incoterms 2010 rules, an exporter delivers the goods to the importer once the goods shipped on board a named vessel at the port of loading just like the FOB Incoterms. Exporter not only has to arrange the transportation from port of loading to port of discharge, but also must pay for the freight cost under CFR terms. Finally exporter has no obligation against the importer in regards to marine insurance
Definition of CIF according to Incoterms 2010 rules
CIF agreements are nearly the same as CFR agreements. The seller is still responsible for all arrangement and transport costs for shipping goods to the agreed upon destination port. The receiver then resumes all cost responsibilities once the ship has reached port. The difference between the two agreements lies in one additional responsibility that falls to the shipper. During the process of shipping, the seller must also provide a minimum amount of marine insurance on the goods being shipped, typically an amount agreed upon between the buyer and seller.
Notes: FOB & CFR should only be used for non-containerized sea freight and inland waterway transport. CIF can be used by any transport by sea and air not limited to containerized or non-containerized cargo.