The Risks of CIF: Why Moroccan Importers Are Losing Money?

🎭 The "All-Inclusive Price" Illusion

The CIF Incoterm is seductive because it simplifies accounting: a single invoice including product, transport, and insurance. For a new importer, it's reassuring.

💸 The Local Charges Scandal

This is where the trap closes. In LCL CIF (consolidation), the origin forwarder (chosen by your supplier) makes a deal with an agent in Morocco.

• Since the freight was paid "very cheaply" at the start, the Moroccan agent must remunerate themselves on *you*.
• Upon arrival at the port of Casablanca, you receive an invoice for "deconsolidation fees" or "handling fees" that can be 3 to 5 times higher than market rates.
• In CIF, you have no negotiating power over these fees because you didn't choose the provider.

The result: Your goods are held "hostage" at the MEAD until these exorbitant fees are paid.

⏳ Demurrage Mastery: A Losing Battle

Demurrage fees are what you pay per day if you leave your container too long at the port.

In Morocco, between ONSSA inspection, scanner passage, and potential banking delays on PortNet, 7 days are almost never enough. You end up paying daily penalties in foreign currency.

🛡️ "Low-Cost" Insurance: An Invisible Risk

In CIF, the "I" stands for Insurance. But be careful: the CIF Incoterm only obliges the seller to take out minimal insurance (Clause C of Institute Cargo Clauses).

• This insurance only covers major events (sinking, fire).
• If your goods are wet from rain or damaged by a forklift during unloading, you are often not covered.
• The worst part: In case of claim, you will have to manage the file with an insurance company located in the supplier's country (e.g., in China), in a foreign language. Good luck.