FOB vs CIF from Mombasa: Which Incoterm Should You Use When Importing from East Africa?
Who pays freight, insurance and port charges under each Incoterm — and how to choose.
Read guide →How to import from Kenya
Incoterms, payment options, export documents and the shipping routes from Mombasa and Nairobi.
Incoterms we quote
| Term | Meaning | Who does what |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works | Buyer collects from the farm, factory or warehouse in Kenya and handles all export formalities and freight. |
| FCA | Free Carrier | We clear export and hand goods to your carrier or forwarder, typically at JKIA Nairobi for air freight. |
| FOB | Free On Board | We deliver the goods on board your nominated vessel at the Port of Mombasa, export-cleared. You pay sea freight and insurance. |
| CFR | Cost & Freight | We pay sea freight to your destination port. Risk passes to you once loaded at Mombasa; you insure the cargo. |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight | We pay sea freight and minimum cargo insurance to your destination port. Most popular for first-time importers. |
| CIP | Carriage & Insurance Paid | Air or multimodal equivalent of CIF — we pay freight and insurance to your airport or named place. |
| DAP | Delivered At Place | We deliver to your named place (warehouse, city). You clear import customs and pay duties. Common for East & Central Africa road freight. |
Payment terms
- Telegraphic transfer (T/T): typically 30–50% deposit with order and balance against copy documents
- Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight, confirmed by a first-class bank where required
- Cash Against Documents (CAD) for established buyers
- Samples: 100% advance on our emailed invoice
Export documents from Kenya
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
- Certificate of Origin: EUR.1 / EPA (EU, UK), EAC, COMESA, AGOA
- Phytosanitary certificate from KEPHIS for plant products
- Export permits from the Agriculture and Food Authority (tea, coffee, horticulture, nuts)
- Mineral export permit from the State Department for Mining (minerals & gems)
- Certificates of analysis, inspection and insurance as agreed
Shipping gateways
Air: JKIA Nairobi (NBO)
East Africa's largest cargo airport with daily freighter and belly-hold capacity to Europe, the Middle East and Asia — the route for flowers, vegetables and premium fruit. Eldoret (EDL) and Mombasa (MBA) also handle cargo flights.
Sea: Port of Mombasa (KEMBA)
The largest port in East Africa with direct services to Europe, the Gulf, South Asia, the Far East and the Americas. Lamu Port offers additional capacity. Reefer plugs support avocados, mangoes and pineapples.
Shipping lines may route around the Red Sea or via the Suez Canal depending on conditions; transit times on this site are indicative.
Ready to import from Kenya?
Tell us the product, variety, quantity, Incoterm (FOB / CIF / CFR / DAP) and your destination port or airport. We reply with a formal quotation, usually within one business day.