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For importers & buyers 3 min read

The risk travels on your side of the contract

Under FOB, CFR and CIF the cargo is legally yours while it is still at sea. You never see the container being packed — yet you pay for every drop of condensation. Here is how to take control.

Your position

Four facts every buyer should know

Risk passes at loading

Under FOB, CFR and CIF, damage that occurs after loading on board is your damage — not the exporter's.

ICC (C) does not cover moisture

The CIF minimum insurance covers major casualties only. Condensation damage is not included at all.

Exclusion 4.3 hits the insured

Even all-risk cover fails when insurers can attribute the loss to insufficient packing or preparation — such as missing desiccants.

You may specify the packing

Desiccant type, quantity and photographic proof can be fixed in the purchase contract — or you supply the desiccants yourself.

Purchase contract checklist

Specify in writing: desiccant on calcium chloride basis for ocean freight, quantity per container (see our calculator), placement along the full container length, photo documentation before sealing. Five lines of contract text — against five-figure losses.

Protect your next shipment

We advise you on specification wording and supply desiccants directly to you or your supplier — worldwide.