Incoterm DAP (Delivered at Place): the seller delivers to your door
Incoterm DAP (Delivered at Place) is one of the most widely used terms in international trade. Under DAP, the seller assumes responsibility for logistics and costs up to the agreed place of destination, but without including unloading or import formalities.
It is an ideal Incoterm if, as a buyer, you want your supplier to handle all main carriage, leaving only the last mile of the operation in your hands.
How does DAP work? Risk transfers at destination
With DAP, the seller is responsible for organising and paying for transport from their warehouse to a specific point in the country of destination, which can be your warehouse, a cargo terminal, or any other agreed place.
The transfer of risk occurs at the moment the goods are ready for unloading at the place of destination.
Practical Example:
You buy a shipment of household appliances from a supplier in China under Incoterm DAP (at your warehouse in Madrid).
The seller handles everything:
Organises inland transport in China, export customs clearance, sea freight, and transport in Spain to your warehouse in Madrid.
Transfer of Risk:
The truck with your cargo arrives at the door of your warehouse in Madrid. At that moment, the seller has fulfilled their delivery obligation, and the risk passes to you. If the goods are damaged during unloading, the responsibility is yours.
Your responsibility:
You are responsible for unloading the goods from the truck, managing import customs clearance (paying duties and VAT), and any additional transport.
Responsibilities under Incoterm DAP
Seller's Responsibility (Maximum up to the Door):
Package and prepare the goods.
Manage and pay all transport costs up to the agreed place of destination.
Manage and pay for export customs clearance.
Assume the risk of the goods until they arrive at the agreed place.
Your Responsibility (Buyer):
Assume the risk of the goods from the moment they arrive at the place of destination.
Unload the goods from the means of transport.
Manage and pay for import customs clearance, taxes, and duties.
Pay for transport costs from the unloading point to your final destination (if it is not the same place of delivery).
DAP vs. DDP: The key lies in import customs
The main difference with DDP is the responsibility for import customs.
DAP:
Import customs and tax payment are your responsibility.
DDP:
The seller handles everything, including import customs, duties, and taxes.
Do you need help managing your shipment under Incoterm DAP?
Our team of logistics experts has the experience and global network to help you manage import customs clearance and the final transport of your cargo efficiently.
Other Incoterms
Ex Works
The least responsibility for the seller. The goods are delivered at their warehouse or factory. The buyer assumes all costs and risks from that point.
Free Carrier
The seller delivers the goods to the carrier designated by the buyer.
Carriage Paid To
The seller pays for transport to the agreed destination.
Carriage and Insurance Paid To
The seller pays for transport and insurance to the agreed destination.
Delivered at Place Unloaded
The seller assumes all costs and risks until the goods are delivered and unloaded at the agreed destination (e.g., a terminal or warehouse).
Delivered Duty Paid
The seller assumes all costs and risks until final delivery.
Free Alongside Ship
The seller delivers the goods to the carrier designated by the buyer.
Free On Board
The seller delivers when the goods pass the ship's rail.
Cost and Freight
The seller pays the cost and freight to the destination port.
Cost, Insurance and Freight
The seller pays the cost, insurance and freight to the destination port.