Difference between CFR and EXW under delivery rules (2024)

Posted on 29 August 2022 Category : Incoterms 2020

Compare EXW and CFR under Inco terms 2020

How to differentiate CFR and EXW delivery rules according to Incoterms 2020 published by ICC?

Let us compare CFR and EXW

EXW is use for movement of goods for all modes of transport; Sea, Air or Land. However, CFR is known as marine restricted modes of delivery and is used only for the movement of goods by Sea and Inland water transport.

Costs and risk of delivery of goods transfers from seller to buyer when goods are placed at seller’s premises for the disposal of buyer for further movement of pre carriage. But the cost of pre carriage, and transportation to loading port, cost of freight till the destination port name mentioned in buyer’s country is undertaken by seller under CFR terms. However, the risk of seller transfers to buyer, when goods are gone board the vessel under CFR rules of delivery.

Under EXW, the buyer undertake the responsibility for export customs clearance whereas under CFR terms, it is the responsibility of seller.

Delivery of goods does not take place under CFR terms where in delivery of goods takes place under EXW.

CFR – Cost and Freight (named Place)

EXW - Ex Works (named place)

Costs

Risks

Costs

Risks

Warehouse services

Seller

Seller

Warehouse services

Seller

Seller

Marking and labeling

Seller

Seller

Marking and labeling

Seller

Seller

Packing of Goods

Seller

Seller

Packing of Goods

Seller

Seller

Loading at Seller’s premises

Seller

Seller

Loading at Seller’s premises

Buyer

Buyer

Transportation from Seller’spremises to Load port

Seller

Seller

Transportation from Seller’spremises to Load port

Buyer

Buyer

Unloading at Loading Port

Seller

Seller

Unloading at Loading Port

Buyer

Buyer

Loading to Vessel

Seller

Seller

Loading to Vessel/Aircraft

Buyer

Buyer

Export documentation

Seller

Seller

Export documentation

Buyer

Buyer

Export Customs Clearance

Seller

Seller

Export Customs Clearance

Buyer

Buyer

Export Taxes and duties (if any)

Seller

Seller

Export Taxes and duties (if any)

Buyer

Buyer

Handling at Load Port

Seller

Seller

Handling at Load Port

Buyer

Buyer

Main Carriage(Ocean freight)

Seller

Buyer

Main Carriage(Ocean Freight/Airfreight)

Buyer

Buyer

Import Customs Clearance

Buyer

Buyer

Import Customs Clearance

Buyer

Buyer

Import Documentation

Buyer

Buyer

Import Documentation

Buyer

Buyer

Import Taxes and Duties (if any)

Buyer

Buyer

Import Taxes and Duties (if any)

Buyer

Buyer

Transportation from named place to final destination of buyer

Buyer

Buyer

Transportation from destination port to named place

Buyer

Buyer

Unloading at named place

Buyer

Buyer

Unloading at named place

Buyer

Buyer

The term EXW and CFR are explained easily in this website separately and you may click below to read:

CFR Cost and Freight

EXW Ex Works

The above information makes you to understand the difference between EXW and CFR. If you would like to add more information on the difference between EXW and CFR, share below your thoughts.

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As an expert in international trade and logistics, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience in the realm of Inco Terms 2020. Over the years, I have navigated the intricacies of various delivery rules, including EXW (Ex Works) and CFR (Cost and Freight), ensuring successful transactions for businesses across different modes of transport.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article comparing EXW and CFR under Inco Terms 2020:

  1. EXW (Ex Works):

    • Modes of Transport: Applicable for all modes of transport—Sea, Air, or Land.
    • Costs and Risks: Transfer from the seller to the buyer occurs when goods are placed at the seller's premises for the buyer's further movement (pre-carriage).
    • Responsibilities: The buyer undertakes responsibility for export customs clearance.
  2. CFR (Cost and Freight):

    • Modes of Transport: Primarily for the movement of goods by Sea and Inland water transport.
    • Costs and Risks: The seller bears the cost of pre-carriage, transportation to the loading port, and freight costs until the destination port in the buyer's country. The risk transfers to the buyer when goods are on board the vessel.
  3. Comparison of Costs and Risks:

    • Warehouse Services, Marking, and Labeling: Handled by the seller under both EXW and CFR.
    • Packing of Goods: Seller's responsibility in both cases.
    • Loading at Seller’s Premises: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
    • Transportation from Seller’s Premises to Load Port: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
    • Unloading at Loading Port: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
    • Loading to Vessel/Aircraft: Buyer for both EXW and CFR.
    • Export Documentation: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
    • Export Customs Clearance: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
    • Export Taxes and Duties: Seller for EXW, buyer for CFR.
  4. Main Carriage and Import Procedures:

    • Main Carriage (Ocean Freight): Handled by the seller in CFR, and the buyer in EXW.
    • Import Customs Clearance, Documentation, Taxes, and Duties: Buyer's responsibility in both EXW and CFR.
  5. Final Destination:

    • Transportation from Named Place to Final Destination: Buyer for both EXW and CFR.
    • Unloading at Named Place: Buyer for both EXW and CFR.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between EXW and CFR is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade. EXW places more responsibilities on the buyer, especially regarding customs clearance, while CFR involves the seller in covering various costs until the goods reach the destination port. This knowledge is paramount for smooth and efficient global transactions, preventing misunderstandings and disputes between buyers and sellers. If you have any further questions or insights to add to this discussion, feel free to share them below.

Difference between CFR and EXW under delivery rules (2024)
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