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Customs brokerage and international shipping terms guidance

Incoterms® 2020

DPU - Delivered at Place Unloaded

Under DPU, the seller delivers when the goods are unloaded from the arriving means of transport and placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place.

Any mode · Named place of destination

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DPU at a glance

Under DPU, the seller delivers when the goods are unloaded from the arriving means of transport and placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place.

Any mode or multimodalInsurance required by the rule: No

Shipment

Named location
Named place of destination
Delivery point
When goods are unloaded at the named destination place
Risk transfer
When goods are unloaded and placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place

Responsibilities

Main carriage
Seller arranges and pays
Export clearance
Seller
Import clearance
Buyer
Insurance
DPU does not require either party to contract for cargo insurance.

Contract

Common comparison
Compare with DAPDAP stops at ready-for-unloading; DPU requires unloading.

Illustrative notation: DPU Antwerp terminal, Incoterms® 2020. Customize and copy below ->

Responsibility journey

Delivery point
When goods are unloaded at the named destination place
Risk transfer
When goods are unloaded and placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place
Seller sideBuyer sideDelivery + risk transfer

  1. Seller / exporter

    Cost
    Seller

  2. Origin pickup

    Cost
    Seller

  3. Export clearance

    Cost
    Seller
    Export
    Seller

  4. Origin terminal

    Cost
    Seller

  5. Carrier handoff

    Cost
    Seller

  6. Main carriage

    Cost
    Seller

  7. Destination terminal

    Cost
    Seller
    Handoff
    Delivery + risk transfer

  8. Import clearance

    Cost
    Buyer
    Import
    Buyer

  9. Final delivery

    Cost
    Buyer

  10. Buyer / importer

    Cost
    Buyer
Text alternative for DPU: Seller-paid cost through Destination terminal. Delivery occurs at Destination terminal. Risk transfer at Destination terminal. Insurance: DPU does not require either party to contract for cargo insurance. Export clearance: Seller. Import clearance: Buyer. Main carriage: Seller.

Who pays what under DPU?

DPU is the only Incoterms® 2020 rule that requires the seller to unload at destination. Import clearance still remains with the buyer.

Seller does

  • Arrange carriage to the named place
  • Unload goods at the named place
  • Complete export clearance

Buyer does

  • Handle import clearance and duties
  • Take delivery after unloading

Not determined by the DPU rule alone

  • Seller import clearance
  • Seller insurance obligation

When to use DPU

When DPU fits

  • Deliveries where the seller can safely manage unloading at the named place

When to use DPU with caution

  • Sites where the seller cannot control unloading equipment or access

DPU shipment example

A seller delivers project cargo to a named Antwerp terminal and unloads it there. Risk transfers on unloading. The buyer then handles import clearance for onward movement.

Common mistakes

  • Using DPU without confirming unloading capability
  • Confusing DPU with former DAT terminology without updating contracts to Incoterms® 2020

How do you write DPU in a contract?

Include the acronym, the exact named location, and the edition.

Contract notation builder

Build an illustrative line with the acronym, named place or port, and Incoterms® 2020. Parties must agree the exact location; this does not create a contract.

DPU Antwerp terminal, Incoterms® 2020

Edition is fixed to Incoterms® 2020. Catalog example: DPU Antwerp terminal, Incoterms® 2020

Does DPU include insurance?

DPU does not require either party to contract for cargo insurance.

DPU compared with related terms

Use these comparisons when the shipment mode, handoff point, or insurance need does not match DPU.

  • DPU vs. DAP

    DAP stops at ready-for-unloading; DPU requires unloading.

    DAP stops at ready-for-unloading; DPU requires unloading.

    Open DAP details ->

  • DPU vs. DDP

    DDP adds seller import clearance and duty payment.

    DDP adds seller import clearance and duty payment.

    Open DDP details ->

View all Incoterms(R) 2020 terms in the comparison matrix

Frequently asked questions

Was DPU called DAT before?

Yes. Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) replaced the former DAT concept in Incoterms® 2020. Contracts should cite the current edition and named place clearly.

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Unsure which shipping term fits your movement?

Talk with a Crane trade or customs specialist about transport mode, handoff points, documentation, and clearance responsibilities. This guidance is educational and is not legal advice; the parties remain responsible for selecting contractual terms.

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Last reviewed July 30, 2026. Edition reference: Incoterms® 2020 (not a new calendar-year edition).