DAP Incoterms Calculator - Delivered at Place Cost Split
Answer: Under DAP Incoterms, the seller delivers goods to the named destination before unloading, while the buyer usually handles import clearance, duty, tax, and unloading.
DAP Incoterms means the seller delivers goods to the named destination before unloading, while the buyer usually pays import clearance, duty, tax, and unloading.
How the calculation works
The DAP estimator separates the seller’s Delivered at Place responsibility from the buyer’s remaining import-side exposure. Seller-side DAP cost includes goods value, origin charges, export clearance, main freight, cargo insurance, and delivery to the named destination. Buyer-side exposure includes import clearance, duty and tax, and unloading.
The DDP delta shown by the tool is the amount that would typically move from buyer-side exposure toward seller-side responsibility if the same shipment were quoted as DDP. Use the dedicated DDP vs DAP calculator for a more focused comparison, and use the Incoterms selector when you need to compare DAP against FCA, FOB, CIF, or DDP.
FAQ
What does DAP mean in Incoterms?
DAP means Delivered at Place. The seller delivers the goods to a named destination ready for unloading, while import clearance and import duty usually remain with the buyer.
Who pays import duty under DAP?
The buyer usually pays import duty, import tax, VAT, GST, tariffs, and customs broker fees under DAP.
Who pays final delivery under DAP?
The seller usually pays delivery to the named DAP destination. If the named place is an Amazon FBA warehouse, retail DC, or buyer warehouse, that delivery should be included in the DAP quote.
Who unloads under DAP?
The buyer usually handles unloading at the named destination unless the contract says unloading is included or the parties use a different term such as DPU.
How is DAP different from DDP?
DAP leaves import clearance, duty, tax, and usually unloading with the buyer. DDP generally shifts import clearance, duty, and tax to the seller.
Is DAP cheaper than DDP?
DAP often looks cheaper on the seller quote because duty, tax, broker fees, and unloading may sit outside the quote. It is not necessarily cheaper after the buyer adds those costs.
Is DAP a door-to-door term?
DAP can be door-to-door if the named place is the buyer’s door, warehouse, or FBA facility, but it still usually excludes import clearance, duty, tax, and unloading.
Can DAP be used for Amazon FBA?
Yes, but the buyer should confirm customs entry, importer-of-record setup, duty payment, delivery appointment, unloading, rejection, and storage responsibilities before accepting the quote.
Comparison table
| Term | Seller usually pays | Buyer usually pays | Import duty usually paid by | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCA | Goods to named carrier/place plus export clearance | Freight, import, duty, tax, delivery | Buyer | Buyer controls freight after origin handoff |
| CIF | Goods, export, ocean freight, minimum insurance to port | Import, duty, tax, port charges, delivery | Buyer | Seller quotes ocean freight to destination port |
| DAP | Delivery to named destination before unloading | Import clearance, duty, tax, unloading | Buyer | Seller manages transport, buyer controls import |
| DDP | Delivery plus import clearance, duty, and tax | Usually unloading and exceptions | Seller | Buyer wants seller-managed landed delivery |
| DPU | Delivery and unloading at named place | Import clearance, duty, tax | Buyer | Seller agrees to unload at destination |
Dated facts
As of May 13, 2026, DAP is an Incoterms 2020 rule available for any mode of transport, including air, ocean, truck, rail, express, and multimodal freight.
As of May 13, 2026, DAP replaced the older DAF, DES, and DDU-style commercial habits in many contracts, but some suppliers still use informal “DDU” language even though DDU is not an Incoterms 2020 rule.
As of May 13, 2026, DAP and DDP remain a common quote comparison for ecommerce imports because the commercial difference often comes down to who controls customs clearance, duty, and import tax.
Frequently asked questions
- What does DAP mean in Incoterms?
- DAP means Delivered at Place. The seller delivers the goods to a named destination ready for unloading, but import clearance, duty, and tax usually remain with the buyer.
- Who pays duty under DAP?
- The buyer usually pays import duty and tax under DAP unless the contract separately changes that responsibility.
- Who pays final delivery under DAP?
- The seller usually pays transport to the named destination. If the named place is a warehouse or FBA facility, that final delivery should be included in the DAP seller quote.
- Who unloads under DAP?
- The buyer usually handles unloading at the named destination unless the contract includes unloading or uses another rule such as DPU.
- How is DAP different from DDP?
- DAP usually leaves import clearance, duty, and tax with the buyer. DDP generally shifts those import-side obligations to the seller.
- Is DAP a landed-cost quote?
- Not fully. DAP may include delivery to the destination, but the buyer still needs to add import clearance, duty, tax, unloading, and exception fees to understand landed cost.
- Can DAP be used for Amazon FBA?
- Yes, but the buyer must confirm who handles customs entry, duty, tax, appointment issues, unloading, and FBA delivery exceptions.