Who owns what

CIF insurance cover and the point where risk passes

Three parties touch cif insurance and risk, and most disputes come from assuming somebody else owns a step. This is how we split it.

Shipper responsibilities: minimum cover level

Under CIF the seller pays freight and minimum cargo insurance to the named port, but risk passes to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board.

We confirm this division in writing before the cargo moves, not after a charge appears.

Forwarder responsibilities: risk at loading

The default insurance level is limited, so buyers with high-value or fragile cargo should agree a higher cover in the contract rather than assume full protection.

Our coordinator keeps one owner per step so a handover cannot fall between two teams.

Consignee / broker responsibilities: destination port charges

Name the destination port precisely, since the seller's freight obligation ends there while terminal and import charges remain with the buyer.

The consignee sees the same document set, which removes the usual "we never received it" argument.

The failure point we see most often: Assuming the seller's insurance covers every loss during the voyage at full replacement value.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

Request a routed freight quote · Chat on WhatsApp · info@hovmar.com

Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.