
DPU Incoterms 2020: Exact determination of the place of delivery / transfer of risk
The moment of transfer of risk is always critical. If there is a grey area around the exact moment of the transfer of risk due to unclear specifications and the goods are damaged or lost, disputes are inevitable. If you want to avoid the risk of disputes when using the DAP Incoterm, the place of destination or delivery should be defined as precisely as possible, because this also specifies the moment of transfer of risk. The question of who bears the costs up to which point in time can also be determined precisely.
Delivered at Place Unloaded: Unloading at destination
With the Incoterm DPU, the cargo is unloaded at a point where the buyer can receive it unhindered to unload or reload it. This can be, for example, unobstructed access to a container used for transport. The act of delivery is completed when the goods are "made available" (important regarding agreed delivery periods/dates!). The seller must also hand over to the buyer the documents entitling them to take delivery of the goods. It is also important that the seller informs the buyer in good time about the upcoming delivery in order to be able to make the necessary preparations.
DPU Incoterm: Transport insurance
As with all other Incoterms - except CIF and CIP - there is no obligation for the seller or buyer to take out insurance. However, if the risk is borne for a certain part of the transport, it is usually advisable to take out insurance as well. In the case of DPU, it is advisable for the seller to insure transport including unloading accordingly, as they bear the risk up to the destination (however, an external carrier has a certain, limited liability protection). If the seller needs information or documents from the buyer in order to take out insurance, the latter must provide these, and the seller must bear the costs.