Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) mean in logistics?

Short answer

Incoterm for sea and inland waterway: as CFR, plus the seller buys marine insurance for the buyer. Under Incoterms 2020 the minimum cover is Institute Cargo Clauses (C), unless agreed otherwise. Risk passes on board at origin.

Frequently used for Indian exports of bulk and commodity cargo. On the import side, Indian customs assesses duty on a CIF-based assessable value whatever term the contract uses. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
CIF
Category
EXIM & customs
Related terms
CFR (Cost and Freight), CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To), Marine and inland transit insurance, Incoterms 2020

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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