Understanding who takes responsibility for international shipments is critical in global trade. One of the most comprehensive and seller-intensive Incoterms is DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid).
Under DDP shipping, the seller assumes maximum responsibility — covering transportation, customs clearance, import duties, taxes, and delivery to the named destination.
DDP Shipping at a Glance
Seller bears maximum responsibility
Seller pays duties and taxes
Seller handles customs clearance
Buyer receives goods ready for unloading
High compliance and tax exposure
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping is an Incoterm defined by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) under Incoterms 2020.
Under DDP shipping terms, the seller is responsible for:
- Export clearance
- International transportation
- Import clearance
- Payment of duties and taxes
- Delivery to the named place of destination
The buyer receives the goods ready for unloading, cleared for import, with no additional charges due upon arrival.
DDP shipping places the greatest level of obligation on the seller among all Incoterms.
Unlike other delivery-based terms, under DDP shipping, the seller must manage both export and import formalities, including acting as the Importer of Record where required.
DDP Shipping Responsibilities
DDP shipping significantly shifts risk and administrative burden onto the seller. Understanding these responsibilities is critical before agreeing to this term.
Sellers Responsibilities Under DDP Shipping
The seller must:
- Arrange and pay for transportation to the named destination
- Complete export customs clearance in the country of origin
- Complete import customs clearance in the destination country
- Pay all import duties, VAT, and other taxes
- Classify goods correctly (HS codes, ECCN where applicable)
- Secure required licenses and permits
- Provide compliant commercial documentation
- Assume risk of loss or damage until delivery
- Provide proof of delivery
The seller bears full financial and compliance liability if declarations are incorrect.
Buyer Responsibilities Under DDP Shipping
The buyer’s obligations are minimal and typically include:
- Unloading goods at the destination (unless otherwise agreed)
- Providing the necessary information to facilitate import clearance
- Assisting where local registration details are required
Once delivered, risk transfers to the buyer.
How TecEx Makes DDP Shipping Simple
We offer a comprehensive DDP Shipping solution that covers all the details—before, during, and after shipment. With our Importer of Record (IOR) solution, we make customs clearance easy and ensure all documents are in order. Furthermore, you can track your shipment in the TecEx App which gives you full visibility of your shipment.
Whether you’re a large business or a value-added reseller (VAR), our DDP shipping solution ensures smooth and reliable shipping across the globe!
TecEx Provides
Global IOR solutions
Full customs compliance management
Duty and tax handling
Regulatory expertise across 200+ destinations
End-to-end shipment visibility
By centralizing compliance and logistics into a single solution, businesses reduce administrative burden and avoid costly errors.
DDP Shipping Importer of Record (IOR) Requirements
One of the most critical — and often misunderstood — aspects of DDP shipping is the Importer of Record (IOR) obligation.
One of the most critical — and often misunderstood — aspects of DDP shipping is the Importer of Record (IOR) obligation.
In Most Countries, the Seller Must Either:
- Be registered locally to act as the Importer of Record, or
- Appoint a qualified third-party IOR provider
The Importer of Record is Legally Responsible For:
- Accuracy of customs declarations
- Proper classification of goods
- Payment of duties and taxes
- Compliance with local import regulations
- Post-entry audits and recordkeeping
Foreign Companies Often Cannot Legally Act as IOR Without:
- Local tax registration
- Corporate presence
- Specific import licenses
Failure to meet IOR requirements can result in shipment delays, penalties, seizure of goods, or retroactive tax assessments.
This is one of the primary operational risks of DDP shipping.
Tax and VAT Implications of DDP Shipping
DDP shipping has significant financial implications for sellers, particularly around indirect taxes.
Import Duties
The seller is responsible for all customs duties based on:
- HS classification
- Country of origin
- Trade agreements
- Customs valuation
Misclassification can lead to penalties or retroactive reassessments.
VAT and Indirect Taxes
Under DDP shipping, the seller pays import VAT in the destination country.
In many regions, VAT may range between 15% and 20% (or more) of the declared customs value.
Key considerations:
- VAT obligations may require local tax registration
- VAT recovery is not always automatic
- Incorrect structuring may create permanent establishment risk
- Cash flow impact can be significant
Demurrage and Storage
If goods are delayed at customs due to documentation errors or inspections, the seller must absorb:
- Storage fees
- Demurrage charges
- Port handling costs
Insurance and Damage
Although cargo insurance is not mandatory under DDP shipping, the seller bears risk until delivery and should insure accordingly.
Cash Flow Impact
Because the seller prepays freight, duties, and taxes, DDP shipping can create substantial working capital exposure.
Risks of DDP Shipping
While DDP shipping provides convenience for buyers, it introduces elevated risk for sellers.
Compliance Risk
Each country has unique import regulations. Errors in documentation, licensing, classification, and valuation can lead to penalties or the seizure of shipments.
Before shipping:
Permanent Establishment Risk
In some jurisdictions, repeated DDP shipments may trigger tax presence or a permanent establishment.
Regulatory Change Risk
Trade regulations, tariffs, and customs requirements can change rapidly. Sellers bear responsibility for staying compliant.
Administrative Burden
DDP shipping requires coordination across:
- Freight forwarders
- Customs brokers
- Tax authorities
- Regulatory bodies
Without local expertise, this can become operationally complex.
How the DDP Shipping Process Works
Successfully executing DDP shipping requires careful planning across multiple stages.
Pre-Shipping
Compliance Assessment
Product classification, HS codes, ECCN review, and regulatory checks are completed before shipment.
Licenses and Permits
Any required import/export authorizations are secured in advance.
Cost Calculation
Duties, VAT, customs valuation, and associated compliance costs are calculated before goods move.
In-Transit
Pick-Up and Freight Coordination
Goods are collected from origin and transported via air, sea, road, or multimodal freight.
Customs Clearance
Import clearance is completed in the destination country. Duties and VAT are paid on behalf of the shipment.
Post-Clearance
Storage (If Required)
Secure storage can be arranged at the destination.
Final Delivery
Goods are delivered to the named place of destination.
Optional Installation Support
Additional equipment handling or installation services may be coordinated where required.
Further Reading on Incoterms
DDP shipping vs Other Delivery-Based Incoterms
Unlike DAP and DPU, under DDP shipping, the seller is responsible for import clearance and payment of all duties and taxes.
See our full DDP vs DAP vs DPU comparison guide to understand which Incoterm is right for your shipment.
DDP Shipping FAQs
Is DDP shipping safe?
DDP shipping is safe when managed correctly. However, it requires expertise in customs compliance and tax regulations to avoid delays and penalties.
What are the biggest risks of DDP shipping?
The primary risks include tax exposure, incorrect customs classification, regulatory non-compliance, and unexpected storage or demurrage costs.
Who pays VAT under DDP shipping?
The seller pays import VAT and is responsible for ensuring proper tax handling in the destination country.
Does DDP shipping include unloading?
Unless otherwise agreed, unloading at the final destination is the buyer’s responsibility.
When were Incoterms first published?
Incoterms were first published in 1936 and are updated approximately every ten years to reflect evolving trade practices. The current version is Incoterms 2020.
Understanding how DDP shipping fits within the broader Incoterm framework is essential when structuring international shipments.
Simplify Your DDP Shipping
DDP shipping can streamline international trade for buyers, but it introduces complexity and compliance exposure for sellers. With the right expertise, these risks can be managed effectively. Get in touch to explore a compliant, fully managed DDP shipping solution tailored to your business.
Don’t Let DDP Get You Down. Get In Touch.
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