FAS vs DPU – who pays for what?
FAS is Free Alongside Ship and DPU is Delivered at Place Unloaded. We compare who pays for transport, customs clearance and duty, and where risk passes to the buyer.
Key differences
Under DPU, the seller also covers loading for main carriage, the main freight and unloading at destination. Under FAS, the buyer pays for this instead. The two rules also differ in the point at which risk passes to the buyer and in the mode of transport. FAS applies only to sea and inland waterway transport.
- Loading for main carriage
- FASBuyerDPUSeller
- Main carriage (freight)
- FASBuyerDPUSeller
- Unloading at destination
- FASBuyerDPUSeller
- Risk passes
- FASAlongside the ship at the port of loadingDPUAt the place of destination, after unloading
- Mode of transport
- FASSea onlyDPUAny
Full cost breakdown
| Cost | FAS | DPU |
|---|---|---|
| Export clearance | Seller | Seller |
| Transport to the port or terminal | Seller | Seller |
| Loading for main carriage | Buyer | Seller |
| Main carriage (freight) | Buyer | Seller |
| Insurance | No obligation | No obligation |
| Unloading at destination | Buyer | Seller |
| Import clearance | Buyer | Buyer |
| Import duty and VAT | Buyer | Buyer |
| Risk passes | At the port of loading, when the goods are placed alongside the ship (e.g. on the quay). | At the place of destination, after unloading. |
| Mode of transport | Sea and inland waterway transport only | Any mode of transport (sea, rail, air, road) |
What to watch for when importing from China
FAS Free Alongside Ship
FAS is hardly ever used for containers, because a container is handed over at the terminal several days before loading. It makes sense for bulk and oversized cargo – for containers, FCA is the better choice.
DPU Delivered at Place Unloaded
This is the only rule under which the supplier unloads the goods at your premises. The supplier therefore needs someone on site to arrange this, and the place must allow unloading. It is rarely used for imports from China. Import clearance, duty and VAT are your responsibility.
When to use FAS and when to use DPU?
- FAS – for bulk and oversized cargo in sea freight, when the buyer arranges loading on board.
- DPU – when the supplier is to deliver and unload the goods (e.g. at a terminal or warehouse), and you handle import clearance.
Buying on FAS terms? You choose the forwarder
We organise transport from China – by rail, sea or air – together with customs clearance in Poland and cargo insurance. Send us your cargo details and we will prepare a quote tailored to your shipment.
Request a quoteFAQ
What is the main difference between FAS and DPU?
Under DPU, the seller also covers loading for main carriage, the main freight and unloading at destination. Under FAS, the buyer pays for this instead. The two rules also differ in the point at which risk passes to the buyer and in the mode of transport. FAS applies only to sea and inland waterway transport.
Where does risk pass to the buyer under FAS?
At the port of loading, when the goods are placed alongside the ship (e.g. on the quay).
Where does risk pass to the buyer under DPU?
At the place of destination, after unloading.
Can FAS and DPU be used for rail freight from China?
Only DPU. DPU works with any mode of transport, while FAS applies only to sea and inland waterway transport. That is why FAS is not used for rail freight from China.
Compare other pairs
Incoterms® is a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). This page is an independent, simplified summary of how costs and risks are divided – it is not affiliated with or approved by the ICC. When drafting contracts, use the official text of the Incoterms® 2020 rules published by the ICC.