What is CIF or CNF?
CIF stands for Cargo, Insurancce and Freight. CNF stands for Cargo and Freight. These are both Incoterms® which refer to the International Commercial Terms and are defined and administered by the International Chamber of Commerce®. These terminology are used on invoices and bills of lading and usually describe the point at which the shipper and the consignee change ownership or the goods under invoice while in transit. It is imperative that any ambiguity in any terminology be spelled out on the bill of lading and the invoice so that your cargo moves freely in transit to you. It is very easy for extra destination or assessorial charges to be added which may or may not be part of the terms listed on the invoice or bill of lading.
