DPU

What Is DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) in Incoterms® 2020?

DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) is one of the official Incoterms® 2020 rules governed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). DPU means the seller fulfills their obligation when the goods are delivered and unloaded at a named place at destination, making DPU the only Incoterm that explicitly requires the seller to unload the goods at destination. The buyer is then responsible for clearing the goods for import, including customs duties and taxes, and for any further transport to the final site.

Seller’s Responsibilities

• Delivery and Unloading: Deliver goods at the named place at destination and unload them from the arriving means of transport.
• Packaging: Properly pack goods, factoring in the specified mode of transport and destination requirements.
• Documentation: Provide a commercial invoice and any relevant certificates or export-compliance documents required by the country of export.
• Export Customs Clearance: Handle all export duties, permits, and formalities.
• Main Carriage (Transport): Arrange and pay for transportation of goods to the named place of destination.
• Notification: Inform the buyer when and where the goods will be delivered and unloaded.
• Risk: Bear all risks until goods have been delivered and unloaded at the named destination.

Buyer’s Responsibilities

• Import Customs Clearance: Handle customs import procedures, pay all duties and taxes required by the destination country.
• Further Onward Transport: Arrange and pay for any transportation from the delivery location to the final destination.
• Post-Delivery Risks: Assume all risks and costs after the goods have been unloaded at the named place.
• Insurance: Optional, but typically the buyer insures for the period following unloading.

DPU Responsibilities Table

Key Notes

• Maximum obligation for seller: DPU represents the highest delivery obligation and risk to the seller, as they must arrange unloading at destination.
• Best for buyers seeking convenience: This Incoterm is especially suitable for buyers not set up to manage unloading or those unfamiliar with destination procedures.
• Name the place of delivery precisely: To avoid disputes, both parties should clarify the exact named place and whether it’s equipped for unloading operations.

Incoterms 2020: Core Points Comparison Table

Term	Applicable Mode of Transport	Point of Risk Transfer	Seller's Responsibility	Buyer's Responsibility
EXW	Any mode	Upon delivery at seller’s premises	Only makes goods available; not responsible for transportation, clearance, or insurance	Responsible for all transportation, clearance, insurance costs, and risks
FCA	Any mode	Upon delivery to the carrier	Handles export clearance, delivers goods to carrier	Arranges transportation, pays all subsequent charges, assumes risk
CPT	Any mode	Upon delivery to the first carrier	Pays carriage to named destination, handles export clearance	Responsible for unloading at destination, import clearance, insurance costs, and risks
CIP	Any mode	Upon delivery to the first carrier	Pays carriage and insurance to named destination, handles export clearance	Responsible for unloading at destination, import clearance, assumes remaining risks
DAP	Any mode	Upon delivery at destination (not unloaded)	Bears costs and risks to the named destination, not responsible for unloading	Responsible for unloading, import clearance, and all related costs and risks
DPU	Any mode	After unloading at destination	Bears costs and risks for transportation and unloading at destination	Responsible for import clearance costs and risks
DDP	Any mode	Upon delivery at destination (duty paid)	Bears all costs (including import duties and taxes) and risks	Only needs to receive the goods
FOB	Sea / Inland waterway	When goods are loaded on board the vessel	Handles export clearance, pays loading charges	Arranges main carriage, pays freight and insurance, assumes risk post-loading
CFR	Sea / Inland waterway	When goods are loaded on board the vessel	Pays carriage to port of destination, handles export clearance	Handles insurance, import clearance, assumes risk after loading
CIF	Sea / Inland waterway	When goods are loaded on board the vessel	Pays carriage and insurance to destination port, handles export clearance	Responsible for import clearance, assumes risk after loading

Source: ICC Incoterms® 2020 – DPU Rule