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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 2Ch. 3§ 2321 Cif Contract Price Adjustment

§ 2321 Cif Contract Price Adjustment

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2321 Cif Contract Price Adjustment

Key Takeaways

  • •If a contract uses terms like C.I.F. or C. & F., the seller must guess the price based on the weight or quality of the goods when they arrive.
  • •The buyer pays the guessed price first, but the final price is adjusted later based on the actual weight or quality.
  • •The seller is responsible for normal damage or loss during shipping, but this doesn’t change when the goods officially belong to the buyer.
  • •If the contract says payment is due when the goods arrive, the seller must let the buyer check the goods first. If the goods are lost, the buyer still has to pay when they were supposed to arrive.

Example

You order 100 bags of coffee beans from another country. The contract says the price depends on the weight when the beans arrive.

The seller guesses the weight and you pay that price first. When the beans arrive, you weigh them. If the actual weight is different, the price is adjusted, and you either pay more or get money back.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2321 Cif Contract Price Adjustment

Under a contract containing a term C.I.F. or C. & F. (1) Where the price is based on or is to be adjusted according to “net landed weights,” “delivered weights,” “out turn” quantity or quality or the like, unless otherwise agreed the seller must reasonably estimate the price. The payment due on tender of the documents called for by the contract is the amount so estimated, but after final adjustment of the price a settlement must be made with commercial promptness. (2) An agreement described in subdivision (1) or any warranty of quality or condition of the goods on arrival places upon the seller the risk of ordinary deterioration, shrinkage and the like in transportation but has no effect on the place or time of identification to the contract for sale or delivery or on the passing of the risk of loss. (3) Unless otherwise agreed where the contract provides for payment on or after arrival of the goods the seller must before payment allow such preliminary inspection as is feasible; but if the goods are lost delivery of the documents and payment are due when the goods should have arrived. (Enacted by Stats. 1963, Ch. 819.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

C.I.F.C. & F.net landed weightsdelivered weightsout turncommercial promptnessordinary deteriorationshrinkage

Related Statutes

  • § 2320 Cif And Cf Shipping Terms
  • § 2323 Shipping Contract Bill Requirements
  • § 10301 Lease Contract Enforcement
  • § 10302 Lease Title And Possession
  • § 10303 Lease Transfer Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 2321.
View Official Source