Incoterms are not a courier product name. They draw the line between seller and buyer. On export lanes the usual argument is DDP versus DDU versus DAP: the cargo is at the door, but who owns clearance and the tax bill?
DAP (Delivered at Place): the seller brings the goods to the named place; import clearance and duties usually sit with the buyer. It fits a buyer who already imports and wants to control the tax position.
DDU is the older label, still used in conversation for “delivered, duty unpaid”. Current contracts should say DAP so the paperwork matches what the forwarder is asked to do. If the contract still says DDU, reconfirm clearance in the shipping order.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the seller also takes clearance and duty / VAT, and the buyer just receives. Cross-border sellers and overseas buyers without an importer of record like it. It only works with a classifiable description, an HS code and the consignee’s tax ID — otherwise we cannot file honestly and the move falls back to DAP.
Ask three questions before you pick a term: Does the buyer have import standing? Who pays tax, and who covers any gap versus the estimate? Does the destination restrict or certify this commodity? Get the term right, then choose ocean or air. Send the contract term and we will map the operating path.
