What is the main difference between CIF and DPU?

They split 2 cost blocks differently. insurance falls to the seller under CIF and the none under DPU; unloading at destination falls to the buyer under CIF and the seller under DPU.

Where does risk pass under CIF?

When the goods are loaded on board at origin — same as CFR.

Where does risk pass under DPU?

Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.

Can CIF and DPU both be used for container shipments?

DPU works for any mode of transport. CIF is written for sea and inland waterway transport only.

CIF vs DPU: who pays what

CIF is Cost, Insurance and Freight. DPU is Delivered at Place Unloaded. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Insurance:CIFSeller·DPUNeither obliged
Unloading at destination:CIFBuyer·DPUSeller

Full cost split

Cost block	CIF	DPU
Export clearance	Seller	Seller
Carriage to port / terminal	Seller	Seller
Loading onto main carriage	Seller	Seller
Main carriage (freight)	Seller	Seller
Insurance	Seller	Neither obliged
Unloading at destination	Buyer	Seller
Import clearance	Buyer	Buyer
Duties and import taxes	Buyer	Buyer
Risk passes	When the goods are loaded on board at origin — same as CFR.	Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Transport mode	Sea / inland waterway	Any mode

What people get wrong

CIF

The required cover is the minimum level, not all-risks. Buyers who assume they are fully covered find out at claim time.

DPU

The seller must be able to unload at a place they do not control. Agree who supplies the forklift or crane before signing.

Questions

What is the main difference between CIF and DPU?: They split 2 cost blocks differently. insurance falls to the seller under CIF and the none under DPU; unloading at destination falls to the buyer under CIF and the seller under DPU.
Where does risk pass under CIF?: When the goods are loaded on board at origin — same as CFR.
Where does risk pass under DPU?: Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Can CIF and DPU both be used for container shipments?: DPU works for any mode of transport. CIF is written for sea and inland waterway transport only.

Whichever term you agree, the paperwork has to say so

The Incoterm and named place belong on the commercial invoice, the packing list and the shipper's instructions — spelled the same way on each. ovrseas generates the set from one entry so they cannot disagree with each other.

Commercial invoice template

Compare other pairs

CFR vs CIF CFR vs DPU CIF vs CIP CIF vs CPT CIF vs DAP CIF vs DDP CIF vs EXW CIF vs FAS

Incoterms® is a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce. This page is an independent summary of how costs and risk are allocated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ICC. For contract drafting, use the official Incoterms® 2020 rules published by ICC.