DDP vs DAP Shipping [FAQ, Analysis & Tips] - James & James (2024)

Originally Published: 1 March 2024
Last Updated: 17 June 2024

Choosing between DDP (Delivered Duty Paid or Delivery Duty Paid) and DAP (Delivery at Place) significantly influences international shipping strategies. Each method has distinct impacts on costs, customs duties, and your shipping policy.

Understanding these options is vital for businesses aiming to enhance global logistics. It ensures efficient, cost-effective deliveries and compliance with international regulations.

Furthermore, it helps to optimise shipping decisions, improving customer satisfaction, and streamlining operations. Having a deeper insight intoDDPand DAP equips companies for better decision-making in the competitive global marketplace.

There are several benefits and disadvantages to DDP and DAP shipping, which you can find out down below, as well as why these methods are used in the international shipping process.

What is DDP Shipping?

Delivered Duty Paid or Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) shipping is where the seller takes all responsibility for fees and risks of shipping goods until they are delivered to an agreed place by the buyer and seller. DDP differs from Delivery at Place (DAP) as the seller is responsible for the import formalities and transportation of the goods, including unloading the goods.

DDP shipping is commonly used forinternational shippingas the risks are reduced but as a result, the costs are higher. When using DDP shipping internationally, the buyer is also responsible for paying any tariffs and taxes when importing the goods into the buyer’s country.

What are the Benefits of DDP Shipping?

DDP shipping allows the buyer security and reduces risk which can be especially important when shipping internationally. With certainty comes confidence and an increase in conversion rate and the opportunity to win business internationally.

The seller has full responsibility for the delivery and with an agreed place for delivery with the seller, can take full control that the goods will arrive safely and on time.

The cost and responsibility of risk can be sizable for businesses, especially if your average order value is low.

What are the Cons of DDP Shipping?

Due to the increased cost of shipping and potential tariffs, the products need to have a high average order value in order to remain profitable.

The seller will be exposed to more risk as if there are any problems with the delivery process, the seller is responsible for the costs.

As the main benefit of using DDP is international shipping, customs can be a potential issue for sellers. In some countries, it’s not always possible to clear the goods through customs.

Moreover, in some countries where customs can be complicated, it would make sense for the buyer, who knows the customs, to handle the delivery process. In the case where the goods do not clear customs, this can cause delays, increases in cost, and a change in delivery methods.

What is DAP Shipping?

Delivered at Place (DAP) shipping offers many of the same benefits as DDP but without as much risk to the seller. Under DDP, the seller shoulders all of the responsibility, which can leave the sellers exposed to unknown costs, particularly when selling internationally which can lead to problems at customs.

Under DAP, the buyer is responsible for the unloading, packaging, labelling, freight, customs clearance, import duties, and taxes. The majority of difficulties for sellers using DDP come when trying to sell internationally and in particular, through customs.

It can be problematic selling into some countries where goods cannot be passed through customs or the custom process is complicated. In these scenarios, it makes sense for the buyer to take responsibility as they are more likely to be familiar with the terms of the customs for that country.

What are the Benefits of DAP Shipping?

DAP offers security to both parties that they will be protected at different stages of the journey.

For the buyer, they can have confidence that their goods will be delivered from the origin to their delivery at the place agreed with the buyer, ready for unloading at the final destination.

And for the seller, they can offer a secure method for international shipping that works for the customer, but also not be responsible for any of the potential pitfalls around customs clearance, and import duties and taxes of the importing country.

What are the Cons of DAP Shipping?

The cons of DAP shipping are also the pros. Some buyers may prefer that sellers take as much responsibility as possible, to have the most secure delivery attainable without any of the risks. The consideration for the seller comes down to whether they want to handle a great proportion of risk and cost in order.

Another disadvantage is that there is a risk that the seller may lose their cargo. This is due to the buyer not wanting to be responsible for paying import duties.

In this case, sellers may want to charge more for shipping fees. You can manage this by conductingdemand planningand understanding where on-demand logistics are needed.

Why is DDP and DAP Used?

DDP and DAP are used to protect the buyer from risks and costs when shipping goods to an agreed destination. This is done to help build trust and relationships with sellers as well as to offer protection for international customers.

Usingincoterms shippingcan increase conversion rates, with increased buyer confidence through the fact they have reduced liability for shipping costs, making them more likely to purchase products without fear of fraud or having to pay higher import taxes from international delivery.

Both DAP and DDP also guarantee that the delivery will arrive at a named destination for both parties, which is crucial with international trade. The seller will be responsible for ensuring the goods arrive at the agreed place safely, by sea or air freight, and this security is good for both parties.

Understanding DDP under Incoterms 2024

Whether buying or selling overseas, it’s important to be familiar with the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms). The terms were updated in January 2020 which can be downloaded from theICC website.

They are helpful shipping terms for buyers and sellers to recognise the risks and responsibilities associated with international trade. Moreover, they’re an essential part of minimising cross-border disputes and streamlining the delivery process.

Choosing between DDP and DAP for your business: what to consider

When shipping internationally, it’s pivotal to make the right choice for your eCommerce business. So when deciding between DDP and DAP, it’s crucial that you consider the various implications it could have on yourdistribution logisticsprocess.

With the DDP agreement, it is majorly advantageous for businesses looking to simplify their shipping process, save time and effort, and keep their customers happy. It can be more expensive than other Incoterms, such as DAP, as all the costs are associated with the seller.

In contrast, DAP is a cheaper alternative to use for businesses, as the buyer is responsible for the cost involved with custom duties and taxes. It’s also useful for buyers in countries with high import tariffs. It’s less favourable for businesses who ship to many nations, as you’ll have to navigate various national customs agencies and policies.

To conclude, if you’re an established business looking toimprove your customer service, DDP is your best choice. If you’re an up-and-coming business looking to control costs, DAP is your ideal option.

Wrapping up DAP vs DDP shipping

Offering a secure form of international shipping will help you expand your business globally but with rising costs along every step of the supply chain journey. Whether you choose DDP or DAP, James and James can help you with international eCommerce fulfilment.

As a reliable 3PL solution, we offer both DAP and DDP shipping services and have experts in-house to help talk you through shipping options, fulfilment and international expansion.

Contact us today at+44 (0)333 200 9951or[emailprotected]to find out more about how we can assist your shipping needs.

FAQs about DDP vs DAP

Still have some lingering thoughts about the difference between delivered duty paid and delivered at place? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on this topic.

What is the Difference between DDP and DDU?

Firstly, Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) refers to when the receiver or customer accepts the package. Additionally, they are responsible for the payment of import taxes.

In comparison, Delivery Duty Paid or Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is when the financial responsibility is at the seller’s expense. The DDP agreement means that you, the seller, will pay the customs broker for import clearance. This is advised for businesses starting in a new market.

Is DDP shipping safe?

The DDP shipping process is perfectly safe, especially with a reliable international trade partner, like James & James.

We can help with the whole shipping process, such as clearing customs, reducing transportation costs, making sure your goods arrive at the final destination and keeping your customers happy.

Which countries do not accept DDP shipping services?

With international trade, it’s important to understand which countries do not accept DDP. There are over 90 countries that do not allow packages to be shipped under DDP.

This includes: Brazil, Iceland, Portugal, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Albania.

About the Author