What Is Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)?
Let me explain Delivered Duty Paid, or DDP, directly to you. It's a delivery agreement set by the International Chamber of Commerce where the seller takes on all the responsibility, risk, and costs for transporting goods until you, the buyer, receive them at the destination port.
Under this setup, the seller pays for shipping, export and import duties, insurance, and any other expenses that come up during transit to a spot we've agreed on in your country.
Understanding DDP
You need to know that DDP puts the maximum responsibility on the seller. Besides shipping costs, they handle import clearance, taxes, and duties. The risk shifts to you only when the goods are ready at the destination port.
We have to agree on payment details and the exact destination before the deal is final. DDP is one of the Incoterms—those are international rules that define who does what in trade contracts.
Compare it to Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU), where you deal with customs charges yourself once the shipment arrives. DDP benefits you as the buyer because you take on less liability and cost, but it burdens the seller heavily.
Seller's Responsibilities
As the seller, I arrange transportation via a carrier and cover those costs, plus get customs clearance in your country, including any approvals needed from authorities there. I might even need an import license, but I'm not responsible for unloading the goods.
My duties include providing the goods, preparing the sales contract and documents, handling export packaging, clearing exports, meeting all import, export, and customs rules, and paying all transport costs up to final delivery.
I also arrange proof of delivery, cover inspection costs, and notify you when the goods arrive. If anything gets damaged or lost in transit under DDP, I'm liable for those costs.
Managing Customs
Clearing customs in foreign countries isn't always straightforward for the shipper. Requirements differ by country, and in some places, the process is complex and time-consuming, so it's often better if you, with your local knowledge, handle it.
If a DDP shipment fails to clear customs, they might disregard the DDP terms and hold it up, leading me to use more expensive delivery options.
Special Considerations
We use DDP when supply costs are stable and predictable. As the seller, I face the most risk, so advanced suppliers typically handle these agreements.
Some experts advise U.S. exporters and importers to avoid DDP. For exporters, there's potential VAT up to 20%, and you might get a refund on that. We could also face unexpected storage or demurrage fees from customs delays, agencies, or carriers. Bribery risks could lead to serious issues with governments.
For U.S. importers, since the seller controls transport, you have limited supply chain info. Sellers might inflate prices to cover liabilities or mark up freight. Poor DDP handling can lead to customs exams, delays, and late shipments if cheaper transport is used to cut costs.
FAQs
- What Does Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Mean for an Exporter? DDP means the exporter takes all risk and costs, clears goods for export and import, and pays duties.
- What Is the Difference Between DDP and DDU? DDU puts customs charges on the buyer, while DDP makes the shipper pay them.
- What Are the Various Incoterms? They include EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DAF, DES, DDP, DDU, FAS, FOB, CFR, and CIF, clarifying trade responsibilities.
The Bottom Line
In summary, DDP is an international delivery agreement where the seller covers shipping, duties, insurance, and expenses to your location. It's an Incoterm that defines our roles in trade. We use it when costs are stable, but it puts most risk on the seller, so advanced suppliers prefer it.
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