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Incoterms 2020 DDP: Spotlight on Delivered Duty Paid

On: April 20, 2022    |    By: David Noah David Noah    |    5 min. read

Incoterms 2020 DDP: Spotlight On Delivered Duty Paid | Shipping SolutionsIncoterms 2020 rules are the latest revision of international terms of trade published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They are recognized as the authoritative text for determining how costs and risks are allocated to parties conducting international transactions.

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 DDP, also known as Delivered Duty Paid.

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.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Responsibilities and Risk

Under the Incoterms 2020 rules, DDP puts the maximum risk and responsibility on the seller. It requires the seller take responsibility for clearing the goods for export, bear all risks and costs associated with delivering the goods, unload goods at the terminal at the named port or place of destination, clear the goods for import clearance and payment, and bring the goods to the place of destination. Risk transfers to the buyer at the destination, so it should be stated clearly and precisely.

Get an overview of Incoterms 2020 that everyone can understand.

Delivered Duty Paid Transportation Options

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, DDP can be used for any mode of transportation.

Using Delivered Duty Paid

DDP is an extremely risky term for the seller. With DDP, the seller is obliged to clear the goods for both export and import, to pay all import duties as well as required VAT and other taxes, and to execute all customs formalities. If using DDP, the seller may want to consider a slight adjustment to mitigate some of the risk that comes with hard-to-estimate taxes: "DDP (named place of destination) excluding VAT or other taxes."

Sellers may not understand the complex and bureaucratic import clearance procedures that exist in some countries. They may not know how to hire a reputable and competent customs broker in the destination country. They may not know the current import duty rates for their goods or be aware if those duty rates change.

In addition, fulfilling the obligations under DDP may make the seller’s company register in the country of import and may require them to pay corporate income tax. However, not all countries (Mexico, for example) allow non-resident importers. In this case, DDP can be especially difficult to use because the seller will need to determine who will be the importer of record—maybe a trading company or the actual buyer.  

When using DDP, it's important for the seller to closely control payment terms. The seller may need to outlay money for duties and taxes and could then be stuck waiting to recover those costs. 

DDP also has questionable value to importers, since the likelihood of timely delivery of goods depends on the seller successfully navigating the intricacies of the destination country. Exceptions that might make DDP an acceptable Incoterms 2020 rule to use include shipments of replacement parts, low-value shipments, free samples, product literature or other marketing materials, and other instances when the buyer is not an experienced importer.

Learn More about Incoterms 2020 Rules

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 June 2016 and has been updated and revised based on the changes made with the release of the Incoterms 2020 rules.

David Noah

About the Author: David Noah

David Noah is the founder and president of Shipping Solutions, a software company that develops and sells export documentation and compliance software targeted at U.S. companies that export. David is a frequent speaker on export documentation and compliance issues and has published several articles on the topic.

Are you confused by the various Incoterms 2020 Rules?

Use this handy chart to quickly identify which fees and potential liabilities you face under each of the 11 international commercial terms.

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Incoterms 2020 Chart of Responsibilities | Shipping Solutions
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