What is the main difference between CIP and DPU?

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

Where does risk pass under CIP?

When the goods are handed to the first carrier — same as CPT.

Where does risk pass under DPU?

Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.

Can CIP and DPU both be used for container shipments?

Yes. Both work for any mode of transport, including containers, air and road.

CIP vs DPU: who pays what

CIP is Carriage and Insurance Paid To. DPU is Delivered at Place Unloaded. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Insurance:CIPSeller·DPUNeither obliged
Unloading at destination:CIPBuyer·DPUSeller

Full cost split

Cost block	CIP	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 handed to the first carrier — same as CPT.	Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Transport mode	Any mode	Any mode

What people get wrong

CIP

The 2020 revision raised CIP cover above CIF’s. Contracts copied from pre-2020 templates often still assume they match.

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 CIP and DPU?: They split 2 cost blocks differently. insurance falls to the seller under CIP and the none under DPU; unloading at destination falls to the buyer under CIP and the seller under DPU.
Where does risk pass under CIP?: When the goods are handed to the first carrier — same as CPT.
Where does risk pass under DPU?: Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Can CIP and DPU both be used for container shipments?: Yes. Both work for any mode of transport, including containers, air and road.

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

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.