DDP vs DDU: the key difference is responsibility for import clearance and duties. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), these obligations fall to the seller under the sales contract. Under DAP (Delivered at Place), import clearance is the buyer’s responsibility. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) is an older term, not one of the Incoterms® 2020 rules. Ask what a quote labelled DDU actually includes.
Compare DDP and DAP responsibilities
| Responsibility | DDP | DAP |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to the named destination | Seller arranges carriage | Seller arranges carriage |
| Import clearance and duties | Seller’s obligation | Buyer’s obligation |
| Delivery point | Agreed destination, ready for unloading | Agreed destination, ready for unloading |
| Unloading | Generally the buyer; check contracted unloading costs | Generally the buyer; check contracted unloading costs |
These allocations concern the seller and buyer. A freight forwarder’s service agreement is separate. See the ICC Academy comparison of DAP and DDP and the International Trade Administration’s Incoterms overview.
Why a DDP freight quote needs more than a label
For a China-to-USA container shipment, request a written scope showing the delivery address, cargo assumptions and included services. Do not infer the importer of record, availability of entry documents or responsibility for every exceptional charge from the letters DDP alone. Confirm the lawful import arrangement and document access before booking.
- Named destination: specify the US ZIP code, full receiving address and whether the delivery is to a warehouse or another facility.
- Cargo basis: supply the product description, material, use, invoice value, packing list and proposed classification for review.
- Customs arrangements: identify the importer of record, responsible broker, documents required and process for questions or corrections.
- Quote inclusions: request separate confirmation of freight, clearance, applicable duties, final delivery and any exclusions.
- Exceptions: agree how examinations, storage, appointment changes and delays will be handled and charged.
Use our USA FCL DDP quote checklist to compare offers on the same basis.
Which arrangement fits your shipment?
If you want the seller to organise import clearance and duty payment, discuss DDP and verify that the arrangement can be performed at destination. If your business intends to manage import clearance with its own broker, discuss DAP and document the responsibilities. Neither label by itself establishes which option is cheaper.
For individual ecommerce orders, also confirm whether the consumer will face a payment request before delivery. Our China-to-USA dropshipping page explains the parcel details needed for a service review.
Frequently asked questions
Is DDU the same as DAP?
Do not assume a freight quote uses them identically. DDU is legacy terminology. For a new contract, specify the intended current rule, named place and version, and reconcile that agreement with the freight quote.
Does DDP mean the forwarder becomes the importer of record?
No automatic conclusion follows from the label. Obtain the actual importer arrangement and document requirements in writing. Do not assume the customs entry must, or cannot, be in your company’s name.
Does a DDP price include unloading at a US warehouse?
Confirm unloading separately, including who provides staff and equipment and whether the transport contract includes the cost. Also confirm the warehouse appointment and container return arrangements.
Can I estimate duties using one percentage for all goods?
No. Review the product classification, origin, valuation and applicable rules for the shipment. See our US customs value and duty quote checklist.
Request a shipment-specific review
For USA FCL DDP shipping, send your product details, packing list, proposed container size and delivery ZIP code through our contact form. Include any existing broker or receiving requirements so the proposed scope can be reviewed before you book.
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