In plain English
It is the opposite end of the scale from EXW. The seller arranges and pays for everything: export clearance, transport, insurance if wanted, import clearance, duties and taxes, and delivery to the buyer’s site. The buyer only unloads.
The seller must be able to clear the goods through import customs in the buyer’s country, which often means working with a local customs broker.
Why it matters when you ship
For buyers DDP is the simplest: one price, no surprise duties. For sellers it is the riskiest, because duties and taxes can change, and any customs delay is the seller’s cost. Price duties into the quote and ask your customs broker before agreeing.
Example
An online seller ships to a customer abroad under “DDP”. The seller pays the carrier, the import duty and local taxes, so the customer pays only the price on the order.
Related terms
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): common questions
Who pays duties on DDP terms?
The seller pays import duties and taxes as part of delivering the goods cleared for import.
Why is DDP risky for sellers?
Because the seller is responsible for customs clearance in the buyer’s country, and duty rates, taxes and delays can change the final cost.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “DDP: Delivered Duty Paid Meaning in Shipping”, https://transportli.com/glossary/ddp/, updated November 11, 2026.
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