levering

Levering is a term used in Dutch civil law to denote the delivery of goods under a sale contract. In English, it is commonly translated as "delivery." It refers to the moment the seller places the goods at the buyer’s disposal and transfers possession, and possibly title, as agreed in the contract.

Legal effects of levering include transfer of possession to the buyer and, depending on the agreement, transfer of risk and title. In many systems, risk passes at delivery, unless otherwise agreed. Retention of title clauses may keep ownership with the seller until payment or fulfillment of conditions.

Modes of levering include actual delivery (physical handover), constructive delivery (delivery by documents such as a bill of lading or warehouse receipt), and symbolic delivery (delivery by access or control without physical handover).

Timing and duties: The contract should specify place and time of levering. The seller must deliver conforming goods and deliver required documents; the buyer must accept, inspect, and pay as agreed. Delayed or non-delivery is a breach, potentially triggering remedies.

International trade uses Incoterms to define delivery responsibilities and risk transfer in cross-border sales. Terms such as FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP determine when delivery occurs and who bears costs and risk. See also: delivery of goods, retention of title, Incoterms.