CIF, CFR or FOB: which Incoterm to import flat glass?

On a flat glass quote, three letters change everything: CIF, CFR or FOB. They say who pays the ocean freight, who insures the goods and when the risk passes from seller to buyer. Here are the essentials, explained simply, so you can compare offers without surprises.

The three Incoterms in one line

FOB, Free On Board: the seller loads the container on board at the port of departure. Freight, insurance and everything else are paid by you.
CFR, Cost and Freight: the seller also pays the ocean freight to your port, but not the insurance.
CIF, Cost, Insurance and Freight: the seller pays the freight and takes out insurance for you up to the port of arrival.

The point many miss: where the risk passes

In all three cases, FOB, CFR and CIF, the risk passes from seller to buyer as soon as the goods are on board the vessel at the port of departure. With CIF, the difference is that you are covered by the insurance the seller takes out for the voyage. With FOB or CFR, insuring the transport is up to you.

What is never included in a CIF price

At arrival: handling charges at the destination port, depending on the line, and unloading.
Customs: customs clearance, duties and taxes in the importing country.
After the port: transport to your warehouse, and demurrage if the container stays too long at the port.

Frosted and satin glass in different shades

So which one should you choose?

FOB suits you if you already have a forwarder with good rates and are used to booking yourself.
CIF is the simplest: one price to your port, insurance included, and the supplier handles the booking. That is valuable when freight is unstable, as in 2026 with the Hormuz crisis.
CFR is mainly used when your country or bank requires local insurance.

For container transport, the International Chamber of Commerce in theory recommends FCA, CPT or CIP. In flat glass practice, FOB and CIF remain the most widely used. Always state the version, for example Incoterms 2020.

How we work

Our prices are quoted CIF to your port, with glass, freight and each surcharge on separate lines. You see exactly what you pay, and you can compare with a FOB offer by adding your own freight and insurance.