What is the difference between DAP and DDP?

On DDP we clear customs and pay duty and import VAT, so the consignee has nothing to do. On DAP we deliver to your address, and the consignee handles German import clearance and taxes in its own name.

DDU is an Incoterms 2000 term. The current Incoterms 2020 replaced it with DAP, which means much the same: the seller delivers to the named place, and the buyer handles import clearance and taxes.

If we clear customs in our own name, can we reclaim the import VAT?

Yes. On DAP you are the import declarant, and the import VAT you pay can be reclaimed as input VAT under the usual rules. On DDP we pay it, so you can't reclaim it.

Our factory quotes FCA or FOB. Can you take it from there?

Yes. Under FCA we take over the goods at the factory or the agreed place; under FOB we take over once they are loaded on board. Pickup from factories in Dongguan and Shenzhen is free.

DAP or DDP from China to Germany?

Q: Can supplements and food go DAP?

Small shipments of food and supplements can't go DAP by rail or trucking; they can only go DDP, with us clearing customs as the declarant.

German trading companies and manufacturers often have their own customs broker and want to clear customs in their own name and reclaim the import VAT; e-commerce sellers would rather pay one all-in price and stay out of customs. Shenma Fastship's Europe lines offer all three: DDP, VAT deferment and DAP.

The three quotes cover different costs, so comparing the totals gives the wrong answer. Below is what each one includes and what it leaves out.

DDP: Duties and Taxes Paid

We clear customs as the declarant, with duty and import VAT included in the freight
No EORI or EU VAT number needed
Suits e-commerce sellers, Amazon FBA and small shipments
We pay the import VAT, so you cannot reclaim it as input VAT

VAT Deferment

Cleared with the importer's own EORI and VAT numbers; duty billed at cost
A lower freight rate than DDP

DAP: Customs Clearance in Your Own Name

We handle pickup, export customs in China and international transport, and deliver to your address in Germany
You or your customs broker clear German import customs in your own name and pay duty and import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer); the import VAT can be reclaimed as input VAT
Air and sea can both go DAP; rail and trucking can go DAP for general cargo
Suits trading companies and manufacturers that have their own customs broker and need formal import documents

What a DAP Quote Includes

Main freight: air per kg, LCL by volume or weight, FCL per container
Export customs declaration in China
Origin charges, such as airport handling for air freight
Delivery in Germany: from the airport, port or rail terminal to your address
Not included: German import clearance fee, duty and import VAT
Free pickup from factories in Dongguan and Shenzhen

Goods That Can't Go DAP

Small shipments of food and supplements (such as dietary supplement gummies) can't go DAP by rail or trucking; they can only go DDP, with us clearing customs as the declarant. These goods can't currently be covered by cross-border transport insurance either.

What to Send for a Quote

Product name and HS code
Factory address or city of departure, and your terms with the factory (EXW, FCA, FOB)
Delivery address in Germany
Number of cartons, weight and volume
Mode (air, sea, rail, trucking) and terms (DDP or DAP)

Frequently Asked Questions

Warehouses

Dongguan
Building 3, No. 4 Chenwu East Road, Houjie Town, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Shenzhen
Unit 101, No. 6 Ruikang Road, Hangcheng Subdistrict, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Yiwu
No. 755 Xuefeng West Road, Beiyuan Subdistrict, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
Xiamen
Unit 7-106A, Phase II, Jiasheng Logistics Park, Pulin Road, Guankou Town, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian, China
Fuzhou
No. 41 Dutou, Menkou Village, Xiangqian Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
Ningbo
West No. 2, Terminal 2, Ningbo Lishe International Airport, Haishu District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Shanghai
Building B7, Lane 3199 Jiasong Middle Road, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China
Qingdao
Unit 101, Building 4, China Eastern Logistics Park, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Jiaozhou, Qingdao, Shandong, China

We run our own pickup points across China, so we can collect from your door quickly wherever you are. Ningbo, Shanghai and Qingdao handle our highest volumes, so dropping off there is fast too.

Ready to Ship?

Tell us your destination and cargo details, and our team will match you with the best channel.