When does risk transfer under DAP?

Risk transfers when the goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named place, before unloading.

Who pays import duties and VAT under DAP?

The buyer pays import duties, taxes and handles import customs formalities. If you want the seller to pay these, use DDP.

Does DAP include unloading?

No. Unloading is the buyer’s responsibility. If the seller should unload, use DPU.

Is DAP suitable for any mode?

Yes. DAP works for road, air, sea and multimodal. Specify the named place precisely (terminal, depot or final site).

What documents are typical with DAP?

Commercial Invoice, Packing List and transport document (CMR for road, AWB for air, bill of lading/sea waybill for sea) as applicable.

DAP (Delivered At Place) | Any Mode, Risk Point, Who Pays What

Q: What does DAP mean?

Delivered At Place means the seller delivers the goods to a named place at destination, ready for unloading. The buyer handles unloading, import clearance and all duties/taxes.

Last updated: 18 August 2025

What is DAP?

DAP (Delivered At Place) means the seller delivers the goods to a named place at destination, ready for unloading. The buyer takes it from there: unloading, import clearance, and duties/taxes. DAP works for any mode.

Risk and responsibility

Task	Party	Notes
Export packing & documentation	Seller	Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Export clearance	Seller	Seller files export declaration
Main carriage to named place	Seller	Any mode; specify precise address/terminal
Delivery ready for unloading (risk point)	Seller → Buyer (risk)	Risk transfers when goods are placed at buyer’s disposal
Unloading at named place	Buyer	Use DPU if seller must unload
Import clearance, duties and taxes	Buyer	Use DDP if seller must handle and pay these

When to use DAP

Door deliveries where the seller can reach the site but unloading is on the buyer.
Terminal or depot deliveries where the buyer prefers to manage import and local handling.

Notes & alternatives

Need seller to unload? Use DPU.
Need seller to handle import clearance and pay duties/taxes? Use DDP.
For the international road leg, the consignment note is often CMR.
Ensure commodity codes and EORI are correct to avoid delays at import.

How Clintopia helps

We plan DAP deliveries end-to-end, including route checks, timed slots and paperwork coordination. For border entries and tariff codes, see Customs Clearance. For port/terminal to site legs in the UK, see Container Haulage. For full multimodal coordination, see Freight Forwarding.

Seller delivers to the named place at destination, ready for unloading

DAP (Delivered At Place)

DAP (Delivered At Place)

What is DAP?

Risk and responsibility

When to use DAP

Notes & alternatives

How Clintopia helps

Related terms

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DAP — FAQs