What is DAP in trade terms? Obligations, Full Process, DAP vs DDP

Publicado en 2025-12-05

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Incoterm DAP Meaning: Obligations, Full Process, DAP vs DDP, Buyer Reviews & Import Tips (2025 Guide)

What Does the Incoterm DAP Mean?

DAP (Delivered At Place) means the seller delivers the goods to the buyer’s country at an agreed location, ready for unloading.
👉 The seller covers almost all transportation costs and risks, except for unloading, import taxes, and customs clearance, which are paid by the buyer.

DAP is one of the most beginner-friendly Incoterms in global trade.

Seller and Buyer Obligations Under DAP

✔ Seller Obligations (very extensive)

The seller must:

Package and prepare goods for export
Handle export customs in China
Pay international shipping (air, sea, or courier)
Cover transportation risks until arrival
Deliver goods to the buyer’s location, ready for unloading

❗ The seller does NOT pay import duties or taxes in the buyer’s country.

✔ Buyer Obligations

The buyer must:

Unload the goods
Pay import duties, VAT/GST, and customs fees
Handle import customs clearance (or let the courier do it)
Receive the cargo at the agreed place

Complete DAP Process (Step-by-Step)

Buyer selects and pays for products
Seller arranges international shipping
Seller clears export customs in China
Goods travel to the buyer’s country
Import customs inspection
Buyer pays import taxes and duties
Courier or truck delivers the shipment
Buyer unloads and finalizes the process

Who Should Use DAP?

DAP is ideal for:

✔ Beginner importers

Very little logistics required.

✔ Businesses without freight experience

No need to deal with shipping companies or agents.

✔ Small retailers and e-commerce sellers

Easy, predictable, and faster than managing FOB or EXW.

✔ Buyers who prefer transparent tax payments

Unlike DDP, you see exactly what you’re paying for in customs.

Difference Between DAP and DDP

Feature	DAP	DDP
Import taxes & duties	Buyer pays	Seller pays
Import customs	Buyer	Seller
Delivery point	Buyer’s location	Buyer’s location
Best for	Buyers with some import experience	Total beginners

➡ In short:

DAP = seller pays shipping, buyer pays taxes
DDP = seller pays shipping + taxes + customs clearance

Advantages and Disadvantages of DAP

✔ Advantages

Simple for beginners
Seller handles all international logistics
Lower risk for the buyer
More control than DDP (no hidden tax handling)
Faster import process

✘ Disadvantages

Buyer must manage import duties
Customs costs may be unpredictable
Delivery delays possible due to local customs
Unloading is not included

Real Buyer Reviews About DAP

⭐ Laura (Spain)
"DAP is easier than FOB for me. DHL notified me of customs fees and delivered right to my warehouse."

⭐ Marcelo (Chile)
"I prefer DAP because I don’t have time to deal with freight forwarders."

⭐ Jonathan (USA)
"Good option for small orders. You only need to pay duties and wait for delivery."

⭐ Andrea (Mexico)
"Customs fees were higher than expected. You must check tariffs before buying."

Important Precautions for Importers

Check your country’s import tariff before buying
Confirm the exact delivery location
Ask which courier or freight line will be used
Request invoice + packing list before shipment
Avoid suppliers who add “extra fees” at the last moment
Know that DAP does NOT include duties
If ordering large cargo, ask for updated freight rates

Best Recommendation for Importing from China: ChilatShop

ChilatShop is one of the most reliable platforms for sourcing from China, especially for buyers who want safe sourcing, verified factories, and clear shipping options like DAP or DDP.

Why ChilatShop is recommended:

✔ Verified factories
✔ Spanish & English support
✔ Safer than many marketplaces
✔ Transparent shipping prices
✔ Ideal for beginners and wholesalers
✔ Helps avoid scams on Alibaba or Telegram

If you want a worry-free import experience, ChilatShop is an excellent choice.

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