CIF Incoterm for olive oil: the all-in delivered-to-port

Q: When to choose CIF?

Buyer side (importer) — Choose CIF if you want a delivered-to-port price without managing transport : the seller handles freight and insurance up to your port. Ideal for starting out or for easily comparing "all-in to the port" offers. Check the insurance level , however. Seller side (exporter) — CIF makes you more competitive by presenti

Q: Where does risk transfer occur under CIF?

At loading on board at the port of departure — as in FOB. This is the CIF pitfall: the seller pays up to the port of arrival, but risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded.

Q: Is CIF insurance sufficient?

Often not for a demanding buyer: it is generally at the minimum level . If you want broad coverage, request it expressly or take out supplementary insurance.

Q: Who pays import clearance under CIF?

The buyer . CIF stops at the port of arrival: customs duties, VAT and final delivery remain the importer's responsibility.

Q: Does CIF apply to road or air transport?

No. CIF is reserved for sea or inland waterway transport. For multimodal containerized transport, the equivalent with freight + insurance is CIP .

Q: Does CIF include import customs duties?

No. CIF covers freight and insurance up to the port, but not customs duties or import VAT, which remain the buyer's responsibility.

Q: Do I need to specify the port under CIF?

Yes, the port of arrival : write " CIF Marseille " or " CIF Genoa ", specifying the Incoterms® version (2020).

In brief

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), in Incoterms® 2020, means that the seller pays the sea freight and insurance up to the agreed port of arrival (for example CIF Marseille). It is a "delivered-to-port" price that simplifies life for the buyer. Crucial point: although the seller pays up to the port of arrival, the transfer of risk occurs as soon as the goods are loaded on board at the port of departure — as in FOB. CIF insurance is moreover often at the minimum level. CIF is used only for sea or inland waterway transport. It is the ideal incoterm for a buyer who wants an "all-in to the port" price without managing transport.

What does CIF mean for olive oil?

Under CIF, the seller (the Tunisian exporter) organizes and pays for everything up to the port of destination: factory-to-port haulage, export formalities and clearance, loading on board, sea freight and transport insurance. The buyer receives a single "CIF port of arrival" price and only has to manage, on arrival: import clearance (duties, VAT) and final delivery.

CIF is highly appreciated by importers who want to easily compare offers: the price includes freight and insurance up to their port. Like FOB, CIF is reserved for sea or inland waterway transport. For multimodal containerized transport, the equivalent is CIP.

Cost / risk transfer under CIF: the pitfall to know

Item	Borne by…	Tipping point
Factory → port haulage + export	Seller	—
Loading on board	Seller	—
Transfer of risk	Passes to the buyer	Loading on board at the port of departure
Main sea freight	Seller (paid)	—
Transport insurance	Seller (paid, minimum)	—
Import clearance (duties + VAT)	Buyer	—
Final delivery	Buyer	—

The CIF pitfall: the seller pays freight and insurance up to the port of arrival, but the risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded on board at departure. If the goods are damaged at sea, it is the insurance (taken out by the seller for the benefit of the buyer) that applies — hence the importance of its coverage level. Compare the real delivered cost with the export cost calculator.

Key insurance point: under CIF, the seller is required to take out insurance, but at the minimum level (so-called "Clause C" coverage or equivalent). A buyer who wants broader coverage ("Clause A") must request it expressly or supplement it themselves.

Documents required under CIF

Under CIF, the seller provides, in addition to the standard export documents, the insurance policy or certificate:

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading (B/L) — "shipped on board", freight paid
Insurance policy / certificate for transport
EUR.1 certificate of origin (0% within the EU quota)
Certificate of analysis (COA) from an IOC-accredited laboratory (ONH requirement)
Phytosanitary / sanitary certificate depending on the market

The buyer manages the import documents and costs. See the export documentation.

When to choose CIF?

Buyer side (importer) — Choose CIF if you want a delivered-to-port price without managing transport: the seller handles freight and insurance up to your port. Ideal for starting out or for easily comparing "all-in to the port" offers. Check the insurance level, however.

Seller side (exporter) — CIF makes you more competitive by presenting an attractive delivered price, without bearing customs risk at import. You bear the transport, not the clearance of the destination country.

Drafting rule: always specify the port of arrival and the version: "CIF Marseille (Incoterms® 2020)".

FAQ — CIF Incoterm olive oil

What exactly does CIF cover?

Under CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), the seller pays the sea freight and insurance up to the port of arrival. The buyer only manages import clearance and final delivery.

Where does risk transfer occur under CIF?

At loading on board at the port of departure — as in FOB. This is the CIF pitfall: the seller pays up to the port of arrival, but risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded.

Is CIF insurance sufficient?

Often not for a demanding buyer: it is generally at the minimum level. If you want broad coverage, request it expressly or take out supplementary insurance.

FOB or CIF: which to choose?

FOB if you (the buyer) want to negotiate your own freight and insurance. CIF if you prefer a "delivered-to-port" price where the seller organizes everything up to your port.

Who pays import clearance under CIF?

The buyer. CIF stops at the port of arrival: customs duties, VAT and final delivery remain the importer's responsibility.

Does CIF apply to road or air transport?

No. CIF is reserved for sea or inland waterway transport. For multimodal containerized transport, the equivalent with freight + insurance is CIP.

Does CIF include import customs duties?

No. CIF covers freight and insurance up to the port, but not customs duties or import VAT, which remain the buyer's responsibility.

Do I need to specify the port under CIF?

Yes, the port of arrival: write "CIF Marseille" or "CIF Genoa", specifying the Incoterms® version (2020).

What documents does the seller provide under CIF?

In addition to standard export documents (invoice, packing list, B/L, EUR.1, COA), the seller provides the transport insurance policy or certificate.

Is CIF suitable for a first olive oil import?

Yes. Along with FOB, it is one of the two recommended incoterms for starting out: it offers a simple delivered-to-port price, without managing transport. Avoid EXW and DDP at the start.

What is the price of Tunisian olive oil under CIF?

The CIF price is obtained by adding freight and insurance to the FOB price). It varies by destination port. Request a dated quotation.

Is a CIF price always more advantageous than a FOB?

Not necessarily. A cheaper FOB can cost more delivered if you negotiate your freight poorly; a CIF may include a margin on transport. Always compare the full delivered cost with the export cost calculator.

Request your CIF quotation

Do you want a "delivered-to-port" price without managing transport? We quote CIF your port (Marseille, Genoa, etc.), freight and insurance included, with a COA per lot.

Request a free quote — dated "CIF your port" quotation, drawer pre-filled "Incoterm CIF".

Undecided between incoterms? Compare FOB, CIF, EXW and DDP on the incoterms guide, or use the incoterm selector.

July 2026 data, indicative and to be re-verified before any commitment. Sources: Incoterms® 2020 (international rules), IOC/T.15/NC trade standard, EU regulation.