DDP – Delivered Duty Paid (…named port of destination): Delivered duty paid means that the seller (exporter) delivers the goods to the buyer (importer), cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of transport at the named place of destination. The seller (exporter) has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods thereto including, where applicable (Refer to Introduction paragraph 14), any “duty” (which term includes the responsibility for and the risk of the carrying out of customs formalities and the payment of formalities, customs duties, taxes and other charges) for import in the country of destination.
Whilst the EXW term represents the minimum obligation for the seller (exporter), DDP represents the maximum obligation. This term should not be used if the seller (exporter) is unable directly or indirectly to obtain the import license.
However, if the parties wish to exclude from the seller’s obligations some of the costs payable upon import of the goods (such as VAT), this should be made clear by adding explicit wording to this effect in the contract of sale.
If the parties wish the buyer (importer) to bear all risks and costs of the import, the DDU term should be used. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport but when delivery is to take place in the port of destination on board the vessel or on the quay (wharf), the DES or DEQ terms should be used.
