Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) describes that a seller should deliver the goods to the purchaser at a pre-planned place (buyer's warehouse, factory, etc.). All associated costs, including the unloading of the carrier's stuff, besides any tariffs and customs fees. The DDP Incoterm states that the seller is responsible for all expenses & issues until the seller unloads the goods at the agreed-upon place.
The seller will take over almost all aspects of transportation from beginning to end. DDP and DAP have become highly famous Incoterms for sellers who want to offer high-quality customer service. This is a disadvantage for the importer because he doesn't have much control. However, it might be an ideal option for first-time importers. We'll understand DDP prices' meaning, terms, and much more!
Did You Know?
DDP shipping is less stressful for buyers and offers more control to sellers. A DDP Incoterm is not suitable for all shipments, and it can lead to higher customs duties, delays in supply chains, and other hidden costs.
Also Read: Jump the Queue: Pay GST Online
What are DDP Prices?
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is one of the seven Incoterms that can be applied to all modes of transportation. In the context of DDP, the seller takes on the highest level of responsibility for the shipment from the time it leaves until it reaches the country of destination. After that, the risk passes to the buyer.
According to the DDP agreement, the seller is accountable for delivering from all points. This is before delivery and in almost every aspect. For instance, they must pay for transportation costs, takes, and import duty in addition to tariffs. It also includes customs insurance, currency exchange handling, and other formalities for imports. Additionally, the seller will be accountable for ensuring the clearance of goods for import. Also, it includes coordinating documents for customs (e.g., evidence of delivery) and coordinating all transport options for the product. The seller is responsible for the cost of any delays in the delivery procedure.
What Exactly Does DDP Mean for Your Company?
DDP is the term used to describe a situation where the buyer does not have to worry about unexpected charges when the delivery is made or issues related to damage to the delivery while it's being transported. The seller takes care of everything until the purchaser receives the shipment at their designated delivery address. The customers expect this when purchasing products, and DDP helps you avoid unnecessary risks or unexpected charges for your customers when they deliver.
Seller and Buyer Advantages
Although Delivery Duty Paid can be appropriate in many cases, there are some disadvantages to using this Incoterm in international trade.
Seller Is Responsible for All Risks
Although DDP is an excellent Incoterm to buyers who understand the total cost of transportation, it places the greatest risk of loss for sellers since they must pay for all costs until delivery is made. This gives the seller the ability to control the delivery. Still, it also means they're accountable for the items from the moment they purchase until they arrive at their destination port and are ready to be unloaded. There are a myriad of possible variables in the supply chain, and they could cost your significant business amounts of money if something goes wrong.
Potential Hidden Costs
In the DDP, the seller is accountable for paying taxes, such as Added Tax (VAT), VAT that can amount to 20% of the price of the merchandise and duty. For example, if shipping to a nation within the European Union, the seller has to pay for the country's applicable VAT on imports.
Although there are some instances when VAT fees are transferable to the purchaser, sellers will mark up their shipping charges to cover the cost of customs and tax clearance cost, which increases the buyer's shipping expenses.
Furthermore, the seller is responsible for bringing the product through customs at the border and dealing with all formalities related to customs. This requires a thorough understanding of the recordkeeping requirements for the country of destination and import rules. Sellers must pay for all customs duties, including delays by the carrier.
The Buyer Is Not in Control of the Movement of Goods
One of the main benefits for sellers is the most significant disadvantage for buyers. Since the seller is responsible for all responsibility for the shipment, buyers also enjoy the most control of the shipment. This could be a source of inadequate visibility into the supply chain.
These factors can translate into extra risks for buyers. Examples include:
- Additional delays in customs and inspection costs.
- Extra shipping delays.
- There is no way for you to track your order before the destination port (unless the seller offers the cargo tracker service).
- There is no way to intervene in case of problems with your package during transportation (unless you are willing for the seller to offer assistance).
DDP Process
If you're reading this, you may be aware of how DDP puts its sellers on the front page. Similar to that, the DDP process is centred around the seller's responsibilities. Here's the way DDP operates:
Stage 1: Preparing
The seller then packs the items and delivers the goods to a suitable shipping company. He also drafts the contract of sale and organises the required documents such as Bill of Lading, Insurance Certificate, Export License, Commercial Invoice, and many more.
Stage 2: Shipping
The seller then organises the goods to be loaded and then transports their goods to the ports. After reaching the port, the items are taken off and delivered to the country of import.
The seller has all the formalities, including the customs clearance (export or import) and authorities' approvals. He also pays for all freight and forwarding charges.
Stage 3: Delivering
Once the product reaches the destination country, the seller is responsible for all the transportation costs for the shipment to the buyer's final destination. The seller also has to make arrangements for evidence of delivery and cover any additional charges, like damage costs, inspection costs, etc. It is also the seller's responsibility to inform the buyer of any delivery or transportation terms during the shipping process.
Also Read: GST Input Tax Credit on Supply of Goods or Services
Which is Better Than DDP and DAP?
When DDP is delivered duty-paid, DAP is delivered at a location, meaning that the buyer is accountable for customs clearance, import taxes, local taxes, and the unloading of the cargo. DDP is user-friendly, making it an ideal choice to simplify the customer's involvement in shipping. Since the seller is in charge of all the responsibility, except unloading cargo, buyers can get rid of a lot of hassle. Additionally, DDP has all the expenses accounted for before the purchase, making it easier for sellers to set price ranges.
Furthermore, DDP offers more advantages, particularly with cross-border shipping. The seller is responsible for the entire shipping cost and has to follow intricate compulsory procedures for customs clearance. Additionally, DAP is a safe choice if the buyer requires more control over the freight and has less involvement in the local tax payment terms.
When Should You Use a DDP Agreement?
- Because of the negatives discussed previously, the most appropriate time to consider the use of DDP is when logistics costs and routes are predictable and stable.
- Applying these terms could also be beneficial if the seller is confident in delivering their goods to your country. Also, if the seller has an excellent shipping record to customers not covered by DDP Incoterms.
Conclusion
DDP shipping is less risky and more stress-free for buyers, and it also gives sellers greater control over the shipping process. A DDP Incoterm may not be suitable for all shipments, and it can lead to higher customs duties, delays in supply chains, and other hidden costs.
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