Definition of the DPU Incoterm (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
The DPU rule was introduced in Incoterms 2020, replacing DAT. It requires the seller to deliver and unload the goods at the named place of destination, after which risk transfers to the buyer. DPU can be used with any mode of transport. (ICC Academy)
Seller’s Main Obligations (DPU)
- Export formalities in the country of origin.
- Carriage to the named place (port, terminal, warehouse, job site, etc.).
- Unloading from the arriving vehicle at that place.
- Provision of the commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (B/L or AWB).
- Notification to buyer once goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal, unloaded.
Key point: DPU is the only Incoterm where the seller must pay for unloading. (ICC Academy)
Buyer’s Main Obligations (DPU)
- Payment for the goods as per the sales contract.
- Import customs clearance, duties, VAT, and any local taxes.
- On‑carriage from the unloading point to the final destination.
- Insurance for the buyer‑controlled leg (optional but advisable).
Insurance under DPU
Incoterms do not oblige either party to purchase cargo insurance.
Typical practice:
- Seller insures the movement up to the unloading point (to protect its risk until delivery).
- Buyer insures the onward journey and import leg.
Clear insurance clauses in the sales contract help avoid coverage gaps.(International Trade Administration)
DPU vs. Related Terms
| Rule | Who Unloads? | Who Clears Import? | Typical Use‑Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPU | Seller | Buyer | Large projects where seller controls handling at site |
| DAP | Buyer | Buyer | General cargo where buyer handles unloading |
| DDP | Seller | Seller | Door‑to‑door service, seller assumes all costs & formalities |
DPU is often chosen when the buyer lacks equipment or expertise to unload safely.
Scenario. A Korean industrial-equipment maker sells $45,000 of plant machinery DPU Antwerp Customer Warehouse (Belgian buyer's facility) — DPU = Delivered at Place Unloaded; seller pays through unloading at destination. Renamed from DAT in Incoterms 2020 to broaden from "Terminal" to any place.
| Cost line (seller pays under DPU) | Range (USD) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Origin trucking + load Busan plant → Busan Port | $320-480 | icontainers KR origin tariff, H1 2026 |
| Origin THC + export docs Busan | $220-310 | Port of Busan tariff 2026 |
| Ocean freight 40ft Busan → Antwerp | $2,400-3,200 | Drewry WCI East Asia-North Europe 40ft, H1 2026 |
| Destination THC + drayage Antwerp → buyer warehouse | $500-770 | Port of Antwerp tariff + EU drayage |
| Unloading at buyer's warehouse (forklift / crane) | $280-520 | EU heavy-equipment unload market rate, H1 2026 |
| Seller's DPU cost stack | $3,720-5,280 | Sum (excl. cargo) |
DPU is the only Incoterm where seller is obligated to unload at destination. Distinguishes from DAP (seller delivers; buyer unloads) and DDP (seller delivers including duty but buyer unloads). Use DPU when unloading requires specialist equipment seller controls.
Footnote: Buyer still pays EU VAT 21% on (cargo + freight + insurance + duty) base. DPU is not a "fully-landed" term for tax purposes — only physical-delivery + unloading. Refresh ocean rates against Drewry WCI quarterly.
When Does DPU Make Sense?
- Construction or energy projects where cranes/forklifts are arranged by the seller.
- Remote sites with limited buyer infrastructure.
- Buyer wants single price but will manage import clearance independently.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why it Happens | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Unloading delays & extra charges | Site not ready, wrong equipment | Specify unloading gear, time slot, and penalty clauses. |
| Damage during unloading | Poor coordination or unsuitable equipment | Agree on SOPs, insurance coverage, and qualified operators. |
| Ambiguous place of delivery | “Job site” too vague | State GPS coordinates or exact warehouse bay in the contract. |
| Insurance gaps | Each party assumes the other has coverage | Clarify policy holder and coverage window in writing. |
DPU vs DAP vs DDP - What Changes When the Seller Unloads
| Attribute | DPU (highlighted current term) | DAP | DDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk transfer point | After unloading at named destination | Goods ready for unloading at named destination (not unloaded) | Goods ready for unloading + import-cleared at named destination |
| Unloading at destination | Seller | Buyer | Buyer |
| Import customs clearance | Buyer | Buyer | Seller |
| 2020 Incoterms history | New in 2020 (replaced DAT); scope expanded — delivery can be at any place, not only a terminal | Unchanged from 2010 | Unchanged from 2010 |
| Critical caveat for seller | Verify site access, equipment availability (cranes, forklifts), and safety conditions before quoting DPU | Confirm buyer has unloading capability at destination | Seller must be a registered importer / VAT-payer in destination country |
Required Documents at a Glance
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill marked “DPU, [Named Place], Incoterms 2020”
- Export customs declaration
- Any certificates (origin, conformity) demanded by the buyer’s market
Key Takeaways
- Seller shoulders more risk and cost than under DAP because unloading is included.
- Risk passes only after unloading, so sellers should verify site access, equipment, and safety.
- Clear contract wording—especially the exact delivery point and unloading responsibilities—prevents disputes.
- 1. Seller’s Main Obligations (DPU)
- 2. Buyer’s Main Obligations (DPU)
- 3. Insurance under DPU
- 4. DPU vs. Related Terms
- 5. When Does DPU Make Sense?
- 6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- 7. DPU vs DAP vs DDP - What Changes When the Seller Unloads
- 8. Required Documents at a Glance
- 9. Key Takeaways
- 10. Sources & References
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