Since January 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 Incoterm in this blog is one of the Incoterms specifically for transport over water: Cost and Freight (CFR).
When goods are bought or sold Cost and Freight (CFR) it means that the Seller is responsible for the delivery of the goods to a ship and loading the goods onto the ship. The seller is also responsible for any customs export documentation and export licencesif needed. Also, the seller is responsible in case of any inspections. The seller is NOT responsible for arranging insurance for the shipment.
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 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. Since the Seller is not responsible for insuring the shipment, the seller needs to arrange insurance for the shipment.
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. As the shipment is not insured by the seller and the risk transfers to the buyer once the shipment is loaded, the seller should arrange insurance.
Use of Cost and Freight
CFR can be used for transportation over water, both overseas and inland. In the case of containerized goods, it is better to use Carriage and Insurance Paid (CIP)
CFR 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 and Freight under the Incoterms 2020.
If you have any questions on Cost 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 knowledge and experience to the discussion on Incoterms, particularly focusing on the Cost and Freight (CFR) term. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of global trade regulations and practices, I can shed light on the specifics of CFR under both the Incoterms 2010 and the updated Incoterms 2020.
The Incoterms, updated every decade by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), serve as the global standard for international shipping and trade. These terms are crucial for businesses engaging in cross-border transactions, providing a framework for allocating responsibilities and risks between buyers and sellers.
Let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
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Incoterms 2020 Update:
- Every ten years, the ICC updates the Incoterms to reflect changes in international trade practices and regulations. The Incoterms 2020, introduced earlier, have now come into effect. However, it's important to note that the Incoterms 2010 remain valid as long as both parties agree to use them.
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Cost and Freight (CFR):
- CFR is an Incoterm specifically designed for transport over water. It delineates the responsibilities and costs between the seller and the buyer.
- The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a ship, loading them onto the ship, and handling customs export documentation and export licenses.
- The seller is not responsible for arranging insurance for the shipment.
- The risk for the goods transfers to the buyer once the shipment is loaded on the vessel.
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Responsibilities and Costs for the Seller:
- The seller arranges and pays for transportation to the port of destination.
- The seller is responsible for all export formalities and costs related to exporting the shipment from the country of origin.
- The seller is accountable for any inspections.
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Responsibilities and Costs for the Buyer:
- The buyer assumes the risk for the shipment once it is loaded onto the vessel.
- Unloading the goods at the port of destination and onward transportation costs are the buyer's responsibility.
- The buyer is accountable for all costs related to importing the shipment into the country of destination.
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Potential Issues:
- The seller faces a relatively low risk as the risk transfers to the buyer upon loading.
- The buyer may encounter issues related to overcharging, especially since the largest part of the costs is controlled by the buyer.
- The buyer should arrange insurance for the shipment, as the seller is not responsible for it.
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Use of CFR and Alternatives:
- CFR is suitable for transportation over water, both overseas and inland.
- For containerized goods, Carriage and Insurance Paid (CIP) may be a more suitable Incoterm.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the Cost and Freight Incoterm under both the Incoterms 2010 and 2020, outlining the responsibilities, risks, and costs for both the seller and the buyer in international shipping transactions. The insights offered here emphasize the importance of understanding and choosing the right Incoterm based on the specifics of the trade transaction.
