By Yasmine EDDAM
1 May 2025
The CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) sale is one of the most widely used formulas in international maritime trade. This type of contract, known in French as CAF (Coût, Assurance, Fret), has specific legal features that it is essential to master in order to secure commercial transactions. Its particular structure, which includes the goods, transport and insurance in a single price, makes it a preferred tool for many economic operators. The legal nature of the CIF sale The CIF sale differs from other forms of maritime sales in its structure and legal implications, while retaining certain fundamental characteristics of outward sales. A specific sale on departure The CIF sale is first and foremost a sale on departure, i.e. the transfer of risks takes place at the port of shipment. As stated in article L. 5424-9 of the French Transport Code, "in the 'cost, insurance, freight' sale, the seller undertakes to...
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