DPU vs FAS: who pays what

DPU is Delivered at Place Unloaded. FAS is Free Alongside Ship. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Full cost split

Cost blockDPUFAS
Export clearanceSellerSeller
Carriage to port / terminalSellerSeller
Loading onto main carriageSellerBuyer
Main carriage (freight)SellerBuyer
InsuranceNeither obligedNeither obliged
Unloading at destinationSellerBuyer
Import clearanceBuyerBuyer
Duties and import taxesBuyerBuyer
Risk passesOnce the goods are unloaded at the named destination.When the goods are alongside the ship — quay or barge — not yet on board.
Transport modeAny modeSea / inland waterway

What people get wrong

DPU

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

FAS

Only sensible for bulk or break-bulk. For containers the goods leave the seller long before the quay, so FCA fits better.

Questions

What is the main difference between DPU and FAS?
They split 3 cost blocks differently. loading onto main carriage falls to the seller under DPU and the buyer under FAS; main carriage (freight) falls to the seller under DPU and the buyer under FAS; unloading at destination falls to the seller under DPU and the buyer under FAS.
Where does risk pass under DPU?
Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Where does risk pass under FAS?
When the goods are alongside the ship — quay or barge — not yet on board.
Can DPU and FAS both be used for container shipments?
DPU works for any mode of transport. FAS 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 DPUCFR vs FASCIF vs DPUCIF vs FASCIP vs DPUCIP vs FASCPT vs DPUCPT 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.