Quick answer
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the seller covers the cost of the goods, marine insurance and freight to the named destination port. It shifts more of the shipping cost to the seller than FOB, but the buyer still handles import duties, clearance and local delivery beyond the port.
- Seller covers cost, insurance and freight to the port
- Buyer still handles duties, clearance and local delivery
- Useful when you want the sea leg handled end to end
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What CIF means
Cost, Insurance and Freight is a shipping term where the seller arranges and pays for the goods, marine insurance and the freight to the named destination port. Compared with FOB, it moves more of the shipping cost and responsibility onto the seller.
What stays with the buyer
Even under CIF, the buyer handles import duties and taxes, customs clearance, and transport from the destination port to the site, plus foundations and service connections. CIF covers the sea leg, not the last mile.
CIF versus FOB
FOB puts the sea freight on the buyer; CIF puts it on the seller, but usually the freight cost is reflected in the price. Both leave the import duties, clearance and local delivery with the buyer.
When CIF helps
CIF suits buyers who would rather not manage the sea freight and insurance themselves and prefer a simpler exchange up to the destination port.
The constant for both terms
Under either term, tariff, duty, clearance and the port-to-site leg are yours. Those are the costs to budget locally, and they vary by country.
Payment and ordering
Units are quoted per order and paid by bank transfer in full. Send your size and nearest port, and tell us your preferred shipping term, for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer financing?
No. Payment is by bank transfer in full before production.
How are units delivered?
Units ship folded and are delivered port-to-port (FOB). You arrange local transport from the port to your site.
Can I order more than one unit?
Yes. Multi-unit orders ship together, which lowers the freight cost per unit.
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Tariffs, duties and shipping are extra.
