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What is The Difference Between CIF and DDU?

CIF: Seller pays to ship goods to the port and insures them; DDU: Seller delivers goods to the buyer’s location but excludes import taxes (now replaced by DAP).
Mar 21st,2025 318 Views

Comparison Aspect

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

Core Responsibility

Seller pays costs, insurance, and freight to the named port of destination.

Seller delivers goods to the buyer’s specified destination (any location) but does not pay import duties/taxes.

Risk Transfer

Risk transfers to buyer when goods pass the ship’s rail at the port of shipment.

Risk remains with seller until goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the destination.

Cost Liability

Seller pays:

- Freight to the port

- Minimum marine insurance.

Buyer pays:

- Unloading

- Import duties/taxes.

Seller pays:

- All transportation costs (origin to destination)

- Export customs fees.

Buyer pays:

- Import duties/taxes

- Unloading costs.

Transport Arrangement

Seller selects carrier and books shipping to the port.

Seller arranges full transportation (including customs clearance to the destination).

Insurance

Seller provides minimum insurance (CIF-specific).

Insurance is optional (not required by Incoterms® for DDU).

Customs Clearance

Seller handles export clearance; buyer handles import clearance.

Seller handles export clearance; buyer handles import clearance.

Unloading

Buyer responsible for unloading at the port.

Buyer responsible for unloading at the destination.

Applicable Transport Mode

Maritime or inland waterway transport.

Any transport mode (e.g., sea, air, road).

Incoterms® Version

Valid under Incoterms® 2020.

Replaced by DAP (Delivered At Place) in Incoterms® 2010.

Key Difference Summary

Liability Scope:

  • CIF: Seller covers costs/insurance to the port but not beyond.
  • DDU: Seller covers full transport to the destination (e.g., warehouse, airport).

Risk Transfer Point:

  • CIF: Risk transfers at the port of shipment.
  • DDU: Risk transfers at the destination.

Cost Allocation:

  • CIF: Seller pays freight/insurance to the port; buyer pays unloading/import taxes.
  • DDU: Seller pays all transport costs to the destination; buyer pays import taxes.

Use Case Example

  • CIF: A Japanese exporter sends electronics to a Canadian buyer’s port, covering freight and insurance.
  • DDU (Historical): A U.K. supplier delivers machinery to a Spanish factory, paying all transport costs but leaving import taxes to the buyer.
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