Incoterms 2020 rules outline whether the seller or the buyer is responsible for, and must assume the cost of, specific standard tasks that are part of the international transport of goods. In addition, they identify when the risk or liability of the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer.
In this article, we’re discussing the Incoterm DAP, also known as Delivered At Place.
There are 11 trade terms available under the Incoterms 2020 rules that range from Ex Works (EXW), which conveys the least amount of responsibility and risk on the seller, to Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which places the most responsibility and risk on the seller. The Incoterms 2020 Rules: Chart of Responsibilities and Transfer of Risk summarizes the seller and buyer responsibilities under each of the 11 terms.
For a summary of Incoterms 2020 and a short definition of each of the 11 terms, read An Introduction to Incoterms.
Under the Incoterms 2020 rules, DAP means the seller is responsible for all charges and risks in transit until the goods reach their destination, at which point the risk transfers to buyer. Cost and risk transfer from seller to buyer simultaneously at the point the goods are available for unloading. The buyer is responsible for all costs and risks associated with unloading the goods and clearing customs to import the goods into the named country of destination. The buyer selects a customs broker and is responsible for entry fees, duties, taxes, inspection fees and storage fees if goods are not released in a timely manner. The seller must coordinate with the buyer's customs broker to provide any documentation required for export clearance.
The ICC has divided the 11 Incoterms into those that can be used for any mode of transportation and those that should only be used for transport by “sea and inland waterway.” Under Incoterms 2020, DAP can be used for any mode of transportation. DAP is ideal for use in multimodal transport.
When using DAP, it’s important the buyer and seller identify the destination precisely, because both risk and cost transfer at this point. DAP is a flexible term: The named destination could be a port, airport, seaport, the buyer's premise or a border crossing. It does not need to be a freight destination; any named place will work as long as it's a foreign destination or a border crossing. DAP may sound similar to CPT, but this flexibility is one of the primary differences. The other difference is that under DAP the risk of loss stays with the seller until the goods arrive at the named place.
Under this Incoterm, the seller is not required to unload goods unless specified. However, if the seller’s contract of carriage includes unloading the goods at the place of delivery, they may not recover that cost from the buyer unless agreed upon by the buyer.
If you are regularly involved in international trade, you need to understand the risks and responsibilities as defined by Incoterms 2020 rules, not just pick the term you always use. Start by getting a copy of ICC's Incoterms® 2020 Rules book.
For a more detailed understanding of which term or terms make the most sense for your company, register for an Incoterms® 2020 Rules seminar or webinar offered by International Business Training. If you don't want to attend a half-day class, you can get the book provided at these seminars and webinars: Incoterms® 2020 for Importers and Exporters.
Read our articles about all of the other Incoterms 2020 rules here:
If history is any indication, the Incoterms 2020 rules will be around for at least a decade. Now seems like the perfect time to make sure you understand each of the terms, so you can make sure you’re speaking the same language as your international trading partner.
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This article was first published in April 2016 and has been updated and revised based on the changes made with the release of the Incoterms 2020 rules.