Incoterms® 2020 · D: arrival

DPU Delivered at Place Unloaded

The only rule where the seller unloads at destination. Replaced DAT in 2020.

Delivery point: At the named place of destination, unloaded from the arriving vehicle
Risk passes: At the named destination, after unloading
Transport mode: Any mode, including multimodal
Export clearance: Seller
Import clearance: Buyer
Insurance: Not required of either party

Responsibility matrix

Costs and risk, stage by stage

DPU is DAP plus unloading: the seller brings the goods to the named destination and unloads them there, bearing the risk until unloading is complete. It replaced DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in 2020, and the place no longer has to be a terminal. The buyer clears import and pays duties and taxes.

Seller pays
Buyer pays
Depends on the contract of carriage or the named place
Risk passes to the buyer

01 Loading at seller's premises Seller pays
02 Pre-carriage to export terminal Seller pays
03 Export clearance Seller pays
04 Origin terminal and loading on board Seller pays
05 Main carriage Seller pays
06 Destination terminal charges Seller pays
07 Import clearance, duties and taxes Buyer pays
08 Carriage to named destination Seller pays
09 Unloading at destination Seller pays

Who does what

The seller must

Carry the goods to the named place and unload them there
Make sure it is able to organise unloading at that place
Clear the goods for export and any transit
Bear all risks until the goods are unloaded
Notify the buyer and provide the delivery document

The buyer must

Clear the goods for import and pay duties, taxes and import fees
Bear the risk from delivery after unloading
Give the seller access to the unloading place
Take delivery when notified
Pay the seller's extra costs caused by import delays

When to use it

Project cargo or machinery that the seller is best placed to unload
Delivery to a terminal or hub where the seller's agent handles unloading

Be careful when

The seller cannot organise unloading at your site: use DAP
You need the seller to also clear import: that is DDP

Tip for buying from Vietnam

Use DPU for steel structures and heavy equipment only when unloading equipment and access at the site are confirmed in advance.

How to write it

DPU Port of Tema, Container Terminal 3, Ghana, Incoterms® 2020

Compare with

This guide summarises the Incoterms® 2020 rules in plain language for planning. It is not the official text. Incoterms® and the Incoterms® 2020 logo are trademarks of the International Chamber of Commerce. For the full rules, see ICC publication No. 723E.

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