This time, let’s look at DAP/ DPU/ DDP of Incoterms 2020 Group D. Incoterms rules have been revised in 2000, 2010, and 2020 to ensure that the trade terms are clearer.
However, the terms DDU and DAT which are already abolished are still being used in commercial practices. We will now focus on the latest Incoterms 2020 Group D.
Explain INCOTERMS D Gropu by Animation Video
About INCOTERMS
First of all, let me explain briefly about Incoterms.
Incoterms are the terms and condition of cost and risk responsibility for a buyer and a seller in trading business.
Please remember, it is an international trading condition for a buyer and a seller which set clear responsibility range for the cost and the risk.
Senior Cat It’s very important that both Shipper and Cnee agree to the condition.
INCOTERMS 2020 – D Group
Let’s take a look at the meaning of DAP, DPU, DDP terms, and cost and risk responsibility.
About DAP
The first term is DAP. DAP is a short form of “Delivered at Place”. It means a cargo is delivered to the designated location.
With DAP, an exporter will take the responsibility for the cost and the risk, until the cargo is delivered at the designated importing location before being unloaded.
Therefore, the exporter does not have the responsibility to unload the cargo. The buyer is responsible for the risk of unloading.
Senior Cat An importer is responsible for charges such as import customs clearance, duty and tax.
About DPU
The second term DPU is a short form of “Delivered at Place Unloaded”. It means cargo is delivered and unloaded at the designated location.
With DPU, an exporter takes responsibility of the cost and risk, until the cargo is delivered and unloaded at the importing designated location.
The buyer is responsible for import customs, and the exporter does not have responsibility for this.
Senior Seagull The difference between DAP and DPU is the responsibility of the cost and the risk of unloading.
About DDP
The third term DDP is a short form of “Delivery Duty Paid”. It means cargo is delivered and to the designated location with custom duty paid.
With DDP, a seller is responsible for the entire cost and the risk until the delivery is completed. It is the easiest term for a buyer who imports cargo.
With DPU and DAP, the custom charge are the responsibility of a buyer, but with DDP, a seller is responsible for customs and taxes.
Senior Cat It is the easiest condition for Consignee!
The comparison of INCOTERMS D Group
The following illustration explains the cost and risk responsibility of Group D.
DAP (Delivered At Place)
・Shipper：Risk and Cost to the destination
・Consignee：Customs/Duty/Tax/Unloading cargo
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
・Shipper：Risk and Cost to the destination/Unloading cargo
・Consignee：Customs/Duty/Tax
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid)
・Shipper：Risk and Cost to the destination/Customs/Duty/Tax
・Consignee：Unloading
A buyer is responsible for unloading cargo with DDP. If you are a buyer and transporting machine which is difficult to unload, you should choose the DPU term.
With the DPU term, an exporter takes the responsibility of unloading.
How to write on the contract and Invoice
With Group D of Incoterms, it is important to clearly instruct the location of unloading. The term should be recorded on a contract and an invoice in the following format;
DPU, DAP, DDP plus “address” and Incoterms2020.
For example : DPU ABC Warehouse Shinagawa Incoterms2020
Do not put the name of the port and the area on the address. However, you do need to specify the location.
Forwarder at Importing side
Group D requires a seller to arrange transport for the cargo to the designated location instructed by an importer. Therefore, the seller needs to be familiar with the importing locations.
You will need a freight forwarder in an importing country. You need to check if your freight forwarder has a branch or agents in the exporting countries.
Senior Seagull If there is no agent/forwarder at import side, we cannot use D group..
Senior Cat In this case, we need to use CFR or FOB!
Forwarder’s Common problem for DDP
Now, let me explain an example of what you need to be careful of with a freight forwarder, in an importing country when using DDP.
With DDP, an exporter is responsible for the payment of custom duty and tax for import.
However, this tax is paid temporarily by the freight forwarder in an importing country and the invoice will be sent to the freight forwarder in an exporting country.
If the amount of tax is high, it will become an issue.
Senior Cat Some freight forwarding companies in an importing country may have a maximum limit of temporarily payment.
Forwarder’s cooperation about payment
The relationship between a freight forwarder in an importing country and in an exporting country is also important.
If you work for a branch company and are new to the business, you will probably be refused for a higher temporarily payment.
Therefore, when a freight forwarder in an exporting country is requested to use the DDP term, they need to send an invoice to an importing country in advance to discuss about the temporarily payment for tax.
Senior Seagull If accept the temporarily payment a lot, the amount will be really big..
We cannot use DDU and DAT anymore?
Can abolished terms such as DDU and DAT from Incoterms 2010 and 2020 be used anymore?
Senior Cat Yes, they can still be used.
We sometimes see the invoice showing DDU term on our customer’s invoice. Incoterms is not law, it is terms and conditions used to create smooth business between a seller and a buyer.
In Incoterms 2020, the ICC recommends for everyone to use DAP instead of DAT.
Senior Seagull But it is only a recommendation.
In trading, as long as there is a clear agreement between a seller and a buyer, they can solve any trading issues through discussion.
Therefore, if DDU and DAT are written on a contract and on an invoice and a seller and a buyer have an agreement, there is no issue.
Summery
We have checked Incoterms 2020 Group D terms.
New incoterms rules have been introduced, but abolished terms like DDU are still being used from Incoterms 2010 in business practices.
As we explained, Incoterms is only a rule which support the agreement between a seller and a buyer. It is not compulsory.
However, it is essential as a logistic representative to understand the latest information. This will make it easier to make a clear business arrangement with your customers.
