DPU vs FCA: who pays what

DPU is Delivered at Place Unloaded. FCA is Free Carrier. Incoterms 2020.

The difference that matters

Full cost split

Cost blockDPUFCA
Export clearanceSellerSeller
Carriage to port / terminalSellerSeller
Loading onto main carriageSellerSeller
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 handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Transport modeAny modeAny mode

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.

FCA

The named place decides who loads. FCA at the seller’s premises means the seller loads; FCA at a terminal means they do not.

Questions

What is the main difference between DPU and FCA?
They split 2 cost blocks differently. main carriage (freight) falls to the seller under DPU and the buyer under FCA; unloading at destination falls to the seller under DPU and the buyer under FCA.
Where does risk pass under DPU?
Once the goods are unloaded at the named destination.
Where does risk pass under FCA?
When the goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place.
Can DPU and FCA 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 DPUCFR vs FCACIF vs DPUCIF vs FCACIP vs DPUCIP vs FCACPT vs DPUCPT vs FCA

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.