What is DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)?

Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) is an Incoterm requires the seller to deliver the goods at the disposal of the buyer after they've been unloaded from the arriving means of transport. With the DPU Incoterm, the seller assumes all costs and risks until the goods are unloaded at the agreed named place at destination. In this case, the buyer is responsible for import customs formalities.

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Key takeaways:

DPU is the only Incoterms rule that requires the seller to unload the goods at the destination.

This incoterm can lead to problems as it involves two forwarders at a critical point.

DPU can apply to any mode of transport or multiple modes of transport. The buyer and seller should specify and agree upon a named place of destination.

The incoterm DPU "Delivered at Place Unloaded" was formally known as DAT for “Delivered at Terminal” prior to 2020 version was released.

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Seller's obligations under the DPU Incoterm:

1.Goods, commercial invoice and documentation

2.Export packaging and marking

3.Export licenses and customs formalities

4.Pre-carriage and delivery

5.Loading charges

6.Main carriage

7.Delivery at named place of destination

8.Unloading charges

9.Proof of delivery

10.Cost of pre-shipment inspection

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Buyer's obligations under the DPU Incoterm:

1.Payment for goods as specified in sales contract

2.Import formalities and duties

3.Cost of import clearance pre-shipment inspection

4.Onward carriage and delivery to buyer (depending upon named place)

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The differences between DPU and DAP (Delivered at Place):

The Incoterm DPU is the only Incoterm in which the goods are delivered unloaded at the destination. In turn, the only difference between DPU and DAP is that while in DPU the goods are delivered unloaded and in DAP are delivered ready for unloading.