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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 2Ch. 3§ 2320 Cif And Cf Shipping Terms

§ 2320 Cif And Cf Shipping Terms

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2320 Cif And Cf Shipping Terms

This law defines the terms C.I.F. and C. & F. used in sales contracts and sets out what the seller must do to get paid, including shipping, freight, insurance, and document handling.

Key Takeaways

  • •C.I.F. means the price includes the cost of the goods, freight, and insurance all together.
  • •The seller must provide a bill of lading, insurance proof, and other required documents.
  • •The buyer pays only after the seller tender's these documents; goods cannot be delivered in place of the documents.
  • •C. & F. works like C.I.F. but does not require the seller to arrange insurance.

Example

A California company buys electronics from a Chinese supplier with a C.I.F. Los Angeles contract.

The Chinese seller must arrange shipping, pay for freight, buy insurance covering the goods, get a bill of lading and insurance certificate, and then send the proper documents to the buyer so the buyer can pay. The buyer cannot take delivery of the goods instead of receiving these documents.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2320 Cif And Cf Shipping Terms

(1) The term C.I.F. means that the price includes in a lump sum the cost of the goods and the insurance and freight to the named destination. The term C. & F. or C.F. means that the price so includes cost and freight to the named destination. (2) Unless otherwise agreed and even though used only in connection with the stated price and destination, the term C.I.F. destination or its equivalent requires the seller at his own expense and risk to (a) Put the goods into the possession of a carrier at the port for shipment and obtain a negotiable bill or bills of lading covering the entire transportation to the named destination; and (b) Load the goods and obtain a receipt from the carrier (which may be contained in the bill of lading) showing that the freight has been paid or provided for; and (c) Obtain a policy or certificate of insurance, including any war risk insurance, of a kind and on terms then current at the port of shipment in the usual amount, in the currency of the contract, shown to cover the same goods covered by the bill of lading and providing for payment of loss to the order of the buyer or for the account of whom it may concern; but the seller may add to the price the amount of the premium for any such war risk insurance; and (d) Prepare an invoice of the goods and procure any other documents required to effect shipment or to comply with the contract; and (e) Forward and tender with commercial promptness all the documents in due form and with any indorsement necessary to perfect the buyer’s rights. (3) Unless otherwise agreed the term C. & F. or its equivalent has the same effect and imposes upon the seller the same obligations and risks as a C.I.F. term except the obligation as to insurance. (4) Under the term C.I.F. or C. & F. unless otherwise agreed the buyer must make payment against tender of the required documents and the seller may not tender nor the buyer demand delivery of the goods in substitution for the documents. (Enacted by Stats. 1963, Ch. 819.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

C.I.F.C. & F.C.F.bill of ladinginsurancefreight

Related Statutes

  • § 2321 Cif Contract Price Adjustment
  • § 2323 Shipping Contract Bill Requirements
  • § 1307 Third-Party Contract Documents
  • § 2319 F.O.B. Delivery Terms
  • § 7303 Carrier Delivery Authorization Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 2320.
View Official Source