Final answer:
EXW (Ex Works) is the Incoterm that places the maximum responsibility on the buyer, requiring them to handle all aspects of shipping, clearing, and delivery from the seller's premises to the final destination.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of Incoterms, which outline international commercial terms, the option that forces the buyer to bear the maximum responsibility is EXW (Ex Works). Under EXW, the seller is only required to make the goods available for pickup at their premises or another named place. The buyer is then responsible for all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's location to the final destination. This includes loading the goods onto a vehicle, export clearance, shipment, import clearance, and delivery to the final destination. The other terms listed (DDU, DES, DAF, and FOB) have varying degrees of risk and responsibility distribution, but EXW places the most responsibility on the buyer.