Incoterms 2020
DPU Incoterm (Delivered at Place Unloaded) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) under Incoterms 2020: where risk transfers, who pays for carriage, and seller and buyer obligations.
- Rule
- DPU – Delivered at Place Unloaded (named place of destination)
- Transport mode
- Any Mode of Transport
- Insurance required
- No
- Export clearance
- Seller
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Main carriage
- Seller
Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) replaced DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in Incoterms 2020. The seller delivers when the goods, once unloaded from the arriving means of transport, are placed at the disposal of the buyer at a named place of destination.
DPU is the only Incoterm that requires the seller to unload goods at destination. This makes it suitable when the seller has unloading capabilities at the destination or when delivery is to a terminal with seller-arranged unloading.
The "named place" can be any place, not just a terminal, giving more flexibility than the old DAT.
When risk transfers under DPU
When goods are unloaded at named place of destination
When costs transfer under DPU
At named place of destination (after unloading)
Seller obligations under DPU
- Deliver goods unloaded at named place
- Contract and pay for carriage
- Unload goods at destination
- Clear goods for export
- Bear all risks until goods are unloaded
Buyer obligations under DPU
- Take delivery of unloaded goods
- Handle import customs clearance
- Pay import duties and taxes
- Arrange onward transport if needed
Who is responsible for what under DPU
- Export customs clearance: Seller
- Import customs clearance: Buyer
- Loading: Seller
- Main carriage: Seller
- Unloading: Seller
- Delivery to destination: Seller
Common uses of DPU
- Terminal deliveries
- Bulk cargo
- When seller has unloading equipment
- Project cargo requiring specialized unloading
DPU is best for
- Deliveries to terminals or warehouses
- When seller can arrange unloading
- Bulk or breakbulk cargo
Risks to watch with DPU
- Seller must verify unloading capabilities
- Unloading delays affect seller
- Higher seller responsibility than DAP
More in this directory
- EXW Incoterm (Ex Works) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
- FAS Incoterm (Free Alongside Ship) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
- FCA Incoterm (Free Carrier) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
- FOB Incoterm (Free on Board) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
- CFR Incoterm (Cost and Freight) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
- CIF Incoterm (Cost, Insurance and Freight) – Meaning, Risk & Costs
Frequently asked questions
What does DPU mean in shipping?
DPU stands for Delivered at Place Unloaded. Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) replaced DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in Incoterms 2020.
When does risk transfer under DPU?
When goods are unloaded at named place of destination
Who pays for main carriage under DPU?
The seller pays for main carriage under DPU.
Who handles customs clearance under DPU?
Under DPU, the seller handles export clearance and the buyer handles import clearance.
Is insurance required under DPU?
No. DPU does not require either party to buy insurance, though either may choose to arrange it.