Delivered Ex Ship (DES) is one of the international trade terms. It means the seller delivers the goods to the buyer on board the vessel at the named port of destination, completing the delivery. The seller bears all costs and risks involved in bringing the goods to the port of destination (including ocean freight, insurance, etc.), but is not responsible for import customs clearance. The buyer bears all costs and risks after receiving the goods on board, including unloading costs, import duties, and onward transport. DES applies only to sea or inland waterway transport. It is commonly used when the buyer wants the seller to handle the entire transport to the destination port but does not want the seller to be involved in import customs clearance. Note: The seller must clearly specify the port of destination and the exact conditions for delivery on board to avoid disputes over unloading responsibility; the buyer should arrange unloading promptly. Compared with CIF, under DES the seller's risk extends to on board at the port of destination, whereas under CIF risk transfers when the goods pass the ship's rail at the port of shipment. Unlike DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay), DES delivery point is on board the vessel, while DEQ is on the quay. In Incoterms 2010, DES has been replaced by DAP (Delivered At Place), but it is still used in practice.
📝 Examples
1. According to the contract, this batch of goods is traded on DES Shanghai port terms. The seller is responsible for delivering the goods on board at Shanghai port, and the buyer must handle import customs clearance and bear unloading costs. (Note: Clarifies the seller's delivery point and buyer's responsibilities under DES.)
2. We signed a purchase contract with a European supplier on DES Guangzhou port terms. The supplier bears ocean freight and insurance. After the goods arrive at the port, we receive them on board and pay the unloading fees. (Note: Demonstrates the application of DES in actual import business.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner