Shipping term used in international trade where the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of shipment and loading them onto the vessel. Once the goods are on board, the risk and costs transfer to the buyer, who then handles the freight, insurance, and other expenses to the destination port. FOB is typically used for sea or inland waterway transport and indicates that the sellers obligations end when the goods are loaded onto the shipping vessel.
CNF (Cost and Freight)
also known as C&F, is a shipping term used in international trade where the seller is responsible for covering the cost of the goods and the freight charges to transport them to the destination port. However, unlike CIF, the seller does not provide insurance for the goods during transit. The risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the shipping vessel. CNF is commonly used for sea or inland waterway transport, and the buyer is responsible for insuring the goods and handling any additional costs after the goods arrive at the destination port.
EXW (Ex Work)
shipping term in international trade where the seller makes the goods available at their premises (e.g., factory, warehouse, or store), and the buyer is responsible for all costs and risks involved in transporting the goods from the sellers location to the final destination. This includes loading the goods, arranging transportation, handling export formalities, paying freight, insurance, and import duties. EXW places the minimum obligation on the seller and the maximum responsibility on the buyer, making it a buyer-centric shipping term. It is commonly used for any mode of transport.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
Shipping term used in international trade where the seller is responsible for covering the costs, insurance, and freight of goods until they reach the destination port. The risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the shipping vessel. This term is commonly used for sea or inland waterway transport.