One wrong word in your shipping contract, like choosing DDP over DAP, can turn a smooth delivery into a costly delay. For many exporters, especially those increasing trade with North America and Europe, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) has become a liability. Rising tariffs, shifting customs regulations, and limited visibility during the clearance process all add unnecessary risk. That’s why more shippers are switching to Delivered at Place (DAP) as a safer, faster alternative.
At Dimerco, we help logistics managers and supply chain leaders understand how to structure more effective shipping agreements, starting with the right Incoterms.
Why This Matters Now
With global tariffs still in flux, DDP exposes exporters to unpredictable duties and regulatory headaches. Chinese exporters, in particular, have been expanding into overseas markets but often lack clarity on how DDP differs from DAP. That misunderstanding can translate into delays, cost overruns, and strained customer relationships.
The Price You Pay for Choosing DDP
Under DDP, the seller assumes full responsibility for the entire delivery process, including customs clearance and duty payment in the destination country. This creates several problems:
- Tariff exposure: US tariffs can shift quickly, making it hard to accurately predict total landed costs.
- POA delays: The destination customs broker needs a power of attorney, which can take two to three business days to secure.
- Loss of control: Buyers often prefer to work with their own brokers, creating confusion and delay.
- Hidden costs: Unexpected VAT, clearance fees, or customs delays can drive up final costs beyond what was quoted.
For example, when shipping from China to Mexico, a Dimerco customer requesting DDP terms for Mexico faced multiple challenges. Mexican customs clearance required documentation in Spanish and authorization from a local broker. The process added cost, complexity, and time, and because the 16% VAT was deductible only for the consignee, the consignor gained nothing but more expense. Our team helped guide the customer toward DAP, saving time and money while aligning with local regulations.
Why Delivered at Place Works Better
With Delivered at Place, the buyer takes over customs clearance and duty payment at the destination. That shift dramatically reduces delays and risk:
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- Faster clearance: No need to wait for POA authorization from the consignee.
- Lower risk: No exposure to destination country tariff or VAT policy changes.
- Greater control: Consignees can work with their preferred brokers, using processes they already understand.
- Accurate forecasting: Costs are clearer upfront, avoiding unwelcome surprises.
For urgent air freight shipments, those two to three days saved can make or break a deadline. Delivered at Place keeps the supply chain flowing.
Not sure which Incoterm is right for your next shipment? Use this quick decision tree to find out whether DAP or DDP is the better choice for your scenario:
Addressing the Challenges of Delivered at Place
DAP does require a different payment model. Some buyers prefer to defer payment of destination charges until after delivery, which can strain cash flow for the consignor. To address this, Dimerco often recommends a two-part payment structure: partial payment before shipment, and the balance upon delivery, or using pre-agreed quotes with upfront terms.
DDP vs. DAP: Which Shipping Term Makes More Sense Today?
| Aspect | DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | DAP (Delivered at Place) |
| Customs Clearance | Seller handles clearance at destination country | Buyer handles clearance with their own broker |
| Duty & Tax Payment | Seller pays duties and VAT, often without visibility or offset eligibility | Buyer pays duties and VAT – often deductible or transferable on their end |
| POA Requirement | Seller must obtain a power of attorney (POA) from consignee – adds two to three days delay | Not required – buyer already works with their authorized broker |
| Risk Exposure | Seller exposed to sudden tariff changes and VAT policy uncertainties | Buyer assumes risk – typically more familiar with local laws and processes |
| Cost Transparency | Prone to cost overruns due to unexpected clearance charges or tax issues | Greater clarity – buyer controls and accounts for duties and local charges |
| Urgent Shipments | May face delays due to slow clearance or POA issues | Faster customs clearance – ideal for time-sensitive air freight |
| Control & Visibility | Seller manages all steps – buyer may lack visibility or status updates during clearance | Buyer has direct oversight of final-mile customs and delivery |
| Best For | One-off shipments where seller has deep knowledge of destination clearance laws | Regular shipments, complex supply chains, and high-speed industries needing faster turnaround |
| Dimerco Recommendation | Risky and inflexible – only consider if buyer cannot manage clearance | More efficient, scalable, and aligned with modern global trade strategies |
How Dimerco Helps You Succeed With Delivered at Place
Dimerco supports exporters through:
- Global coordination: 150+ offices across 67 countries operate under a single corporate structure.
- End-to-end visibility: Real-time tracking through the MyDimerco platform.
- Customs expertise: Deep knowledge of local compliance requirements across Asia, North America, and Europe.
- Cross-border consistency: All Dimerco branches follow unified SOPs for reliable, on-time delivery.
Whether your goods are moving from China to Mexico, or from Southeast Asia to the US, we make Delivered at Place work with fewer surprises and greater predictability.
Our Point of View
Regardless of whether DDP or DAP is used, successful door-to-door logistics demands close collaboration between the port of origin and the destination. With Dimerco’s wide-reaching global network, we offer a clear advantage over local freight forwarders, especially for companies expanding manufacturing in Southeast Asia, India, or Mexico.
In today’s climate of shifting tariffs and customs rules, we believe DAP is the smarter standard. It reduces risk for sellers, speeds up delivery for buyers, and provides a more transparent, collaborative process for all.
Talk to Dimerco
If you’re shipping internationally and relying on DDP terms, it’s time to rethink. Contact Dimerco to evaluate your current shipping agreements and see how a move to Delivered at Place could reduce delays, lower costs, and give you more control.
