DDP vs DAP Side by Side
| DAP | DDP | |
|---|---|---|
| Seller delivers to | Your address | Your address |
| Import clearance | Buyer (via courier or broker) | Seller (via DDP provider) |
| Duties and import taxes | Buyer pays on arrival | Included in the price |
| Risk passes to buyer | On arrival, before unloading | On arrival, before unloading |
| Surprise costs | Possible | None at delivery |
| Price shown on quote | Lower | Higher, but all-in |
DDP and DAP are Incoterms 2020 rules, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which set who pays and who is responsible at each stage. You may also see EXW (you collect from the factory) and FOB (the seller loads the goods onto the ship; for air freight the matching term is FCA), which suit buyers with their own forwarder.
When DAP Makes Sense
- You have a customs broker or an import account with a courier
- You want to see duties itemized for your accounts
- You can reclaim import VAT, as many VAT-registered businesses in the UK and EU can
When DDP Makes Sense
- You're a new brand without a broker
- You want a fixed landed cost to set prices
- Your customers or warehouse can't handle bills on delivery
Shipping Methods: A Separate Choice
The trade term decides who pays; the shipping method decides how fast and at what cost per kilogram, and any method can be quoted either way. In practice, express parcels go DAP by default, with the courier billing you the duty after delivery, and DDP on request. Air freight is usually DAP, cleared by your own broker at the destination airport. Sea freight is quoted DAP, FOB (if you have your own forwarder) or DDP. When to move from express to air or sea is covered in Air vs Sea Freight for Hair Orders, and transit times are on our Shipping and Payment page.
What to Use for Each Order
| Order | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Samples | Express, DAP. Duties on samples are small |
| First bulk order | DDP for one clear landed cost |
| Regular restocks | DDP, or air DAP if you have a broker |
| Large or container orders | Sea freight, DDP or FOB with your forwarder |
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
- Who is the importer of record? Under DDP it is usually the seller or its agent, which means you can't reclaim import VAT and you depend on them if customs raises a query.
- Does the DDP price include all duties, taxes and clearance fees?
- What happens if customs holds the shipment or rates change in transit?
- Is the DAP quote to your door or to the airport?
- Who will contact you if customs needs more information?
- What value will be declared? Some low-cost DDP lines declare goods below their real value to cut duties. If customs catches it, the shipment can be held or seized, and it's your stock that's stuck. Ask for the declared value in writing and make sure it matches your invoice.
We answer these in writing with every quote. For the full import process, read Importing Wigs and Hair from China.
FAQ
Can I switch from DDP to DAP on later orders?
Yes, the term is set per order. Many brands start DDP and move to DAP once they have a broker, or a VAT registration that lets them reclaim import VAT.
Is DDP more expensive than DAP?
The quote is higher because it includes duties and clearance. The total cost is often similar, but DDP removes surprises at delivery.
Can you ship hair DDP from China?
Yes. We offer DDP to the US, the UK, the EU and other markets. Ask for a DDP quote with your order.
Which is better for a new wig business?
DDP. You know your full cost up front and don't need a customs broker.
Compare Both Terms on One Order
Tell us your country and order size, and we'll quote DDP and DAP so you can compare.
Related reading
![Photo of [Export Author Name]](/images/author-export.jpg)
Handles export orders at ZUVI WIGS: quotes, shipping, customs paperwork and private label projects. [Export Author Years] in hair exporting.
Reviewed by [Customs Reviewer Name], [Customs Reviewer Credentials]