At a Glance
- Transfer of risk
- When made available for unloading at the destination
- Suitable for
- All modes of transport
- Seller pays
- Export, transport, insurance
- Buyer pays
- Unloading, import, customs
What DAP governs
Under DAP the seller delivers the goods at the named destination, ready for unloading. They bear all transport costs, export clearance and the risk up to that point. The buyer is responsible for unloading at the destination, import clearance and import duties, and import formalities. Risk passes when the goods are made available for unloading at the destination.
DAP in practice
DAP is often used in intra-European trade and for deliveries to third countries where the buyer has customs authorisations of their own. It is particularly suitable where the buyer knows local forwarders and cheaper customs handling. Typical DAP consignments: machinery deliveries, industrial goods, vehicles.
The difference between DAP, DPU and DDP
DAP: the seller delivers to the destination, the buyer unloads and clears customs. DPU (delivered at place unloaded): as DAP, but the seller also bears the unloading costs. DDP (delivered duty paid): the seller bears everything – including import clearance. DAP offers a middle distribution of responsibility that suits many cross-border B2B deliveries.
