Cost and Freight (Informal) (CNF)
An informal abbreviation for Cost and Freight (CFR). Often used colloquially by suppliers and on trading platforms, but the official ICC Incoterm code is CFR.
CNF (also written as C&F) is the informal, colloquial term for what the ICC officially designates as CFR (Cost and Freight). You will frequently encounter CNF in supplier quotes on Alibaba, in emails from Chinese factories, and in casual trade conversations. While it means the same thing as CFR, using non-standard terminology in contracts can create ambiguity.
The prevalence of CNF in everyday trade communication reflects the gap between formal Incoterms rules and actual business practice, especially in Asian manufacturing. Most suppliers in China use CNF interchangeably with CFR, and in practice, everyone understands the intent. However, if a dispute arises, a court or arbitration panel will look at the official ICC Incoterms definitions.
When finalizing purchase orders or contracts, always use the official ICC abbreviation CFR rather than CNF. In your initial negotiation emails and quotes, either term is fine, but your formal documents should reference "CFR (Incoterms 2020)" followed by the named destination port.
Why it matters
When you see CNF or C&F in a supplier quote, it means CFR. Always use the official term CFR in your purchase orders and contracts to avoid ambiguity.
Practical Tip
When you see CNF or C&F in a supplier quote, it means CFR. Always use the official term CFR in your purchase orders and contracts to avoid ambiguity.
You'll hear this when…
When requesting quotes
“"Please provide your best CNF price for 500 units shipped to Los Angeles."”
When reviewing shipping documents
“"The bill of lading shows the goods were transferred under Cost and Freight (Informal) (CNF) terms at the port of Shenzhen."”
When negotiating payment
“"We'd like to confirm whether your quoted price is on Cost and Freight (Informal) (CNF) basis before finalizing the purchase order."”
Related Terms
Cost and Freight
CFRAn Incoterm where the seller pays for the cost of goods and freight to the named destination port. Unlike CIF, insurance is not included and must be arranged by the buyer.
Cost, Insurance, and Freight
CIFAn Incoterm where the seller pays for cost of goods, insurance, and freight to the named destination port. Risk transfers to the buyer once goods are loaded on the vessel at origin.
Free on Board
FOBAn Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers from seller to buyer once goods pass the ship's rail.
Incoterms
A set of 11 internationally recognized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyers and sellers in international transactions.
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