DDP FAQs
- Nancy Kong
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
1. What Does DDP Mean?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller or logistics provider handles everything until the goods reach your door.This includes:
Freight
Customs clearance
Import duties & taxes
Local delivery
The buyer only receives the cargo—no paperwork, no customs process.
2. What Costs Are Included in DDP?
Most DDP quotes include:
Pickup from supplier
Export customs in China
International freight (air/sea/train/truck)
Import customs clearance
Duties & taxes
Last-mile delivery to your address
Always confirm with your forwarder to avoid hidden charges.
3. What Costs Are Not Included?
Usually not included in DDP:
Storage or demurrage fees (if caused by delays from the buyer)
Remote area surcharges
Additional delivery labor
Repackaging needed due to supplier mistakes
Good forwarders explain these upfront.
4. Is DDP Legal?
Yes—DDP is a globally recognized Incoterm.However, in some countries, only licensed importers can clear customs.In these cases, the DDP provider acts through a local legal entity or customs partner.
5. Who Pays Taxes and Duties in DDP?
The shipper / DDP company pays duties and taxes on your behalf.This is why DDP is often called “tax-included shipping.”
6. Do I Need an Import License?
In most DDP shipments: No.The DDP provider uses their own import qualifications to clear goods.
But for certain restricted categories (chemicals, food, medical devices), additional permits may still be required.
7. How Long Does DDP Shipping Take?
Estimated delivery times from China:
Shipping Method | Delivery Time |
Air DDP | 5–12 days |
Sea DDP | 20–35 days |
Train DDP | 18–25 days |
Truck DDP (China → India/SEA) | 10–18 days |
Times may vary based on customs and peak seasons.
8. Is DDP More Expensive Than Other Terms?
DDP is usually more expensive than FOB or EXW, because it includes:
Taxes
Duties
Clearance
Delivery
But it is often cheaper overall because buyers avoid hidden destination fees.
9. Is DDP Good for Amazon Sellers?
Yes.DDP is highly recommended for Amazon FBA because:
No need to manage customs
No Amazon warehouse delays
Shipping arrives labeled and compliant
Predictable costs
Many suppliers and forwarders offer DDP to Amazon warehouses directly.
10. Is DDP Safe?
DDP is safe if you work with reputable forwarders.Risks include:
Fake DDP providers avoiding tax
Under-declared goods causing seizures
Lack of tracking
Choose a company with:
Real tracking systems
Weekly schedules
Proper documentation
Transparent pricing
11. Can I Track a DDP Shipment?
Yes.Most DDP companies offer:
Tracking numbers
Online portals
WhatsApp/WeChat updates
Sea DDP may have slower updates, while air DDP provides real-time tracking.
12. What Happens If Goods Are Damaged?
If you bought cargo insurance, the DDP provider helps you claim.If not, compensation follows carrier liability, which is usually low.
13. Can I Use DDP for Any Product?
DDP is suitable for:
Electronics
Clothing
Accessories
Household goods
Tools
Small machinery
Not ideal for:
Hazardous goods
Sensitive chemicals
Temperature-controlled items
High-value luxury goods (due to tax rules)
14. Why Is DDP Popular for India, USA, and Europe?
Because these destinations have:
High customs complexity
Expensive destination port fees
Long clearance processes
DDP avoids these problems entirely by handling the process for the buyer.
15. When Should I Avoid DDP?
Avoid DDP if:
Your goods need special licenses
You want full control over customs
Your buyer requires official tax documents for refund
Your shipment is extremely high value
In such cases, DDU, FOB, or CIF may be better.
Contact Information
Whatsapp: +86-18098151030Nancy/+91-9952044576Mallesh Gujjala/+86-181 2571 3582Rose/+86-13416222617Jack/+86-15918480524CC/+86-18125730121Kimi
Email: nancy@gmrglobal.co
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Thank you for reading. I look forward to further communication with you!
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