What is the CFR Incoterm?

What is the CFR Incoterm?

The Incoterm CFR, stands for "Cost and Freight," is one of the international trade terms, also known as Incoterms, defined by the International Chamber of Commerce. This term indicates that the seller bears all costs (except insurance) to bring the goods to the port of destination. In addition to the cost of production, this includes the transportation cost to get the goods to the port and the freight cost to send the goods to the port of destination.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the CFR Incoterm?

CFR Incoterm has several advantages for vendors. It allows vendors to maintain control over the transportation and handling of goods until they are loaded aboard ship. This can be especially helpful when navigating logistical challenges and regulations at the port of departure.

On the buyer's side, CFR provides some security, as the seller is responsible for arranging transportation and paying freight costs all the way to the destination port.

However, CFR has some drawbacks. For sellers, this Incoterm carries some financial risks, as sellers have to bear the cost but have no control over the product once it is aboard the ship at the port of departure.

A disadvantage for buyers is that CFR does not include insurance of the goods during ocean transportation. In addition, buyers have no control over vessel selection or route choice, which can lead to higher risks or unplanned costs.