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Published: 2026‑08‑13 | Polasourcing Sourcing | Reading Time: 10 minutes
Key Takeaways
‑ DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the sourcing/ shipping agent manages ocean/air freight, import duty, VAT, customs clearance and last‑mile delivery. Goods arrive at your premises with zero extra payments required from the buyer.
‑ Items covered under DDP: international freight, Chinese export clearance, import duty, VAT/GST, destination customs brokerage, final‑mile delivery. Not included: product compliance certifications, post‑delivery storage, demurrage/detention charges caused by buyer‑side delays.
‑ Pick DDP for predictable all‑in fixed‑cost door‑to‑door delivery. Select FOB if you own a trusted local freight forwarder and prefer to control import‑tax handling.
‑ H2‑2026 reference rates: Air freight USD 4.50‑9.50/kg; sea LCL USD 35‑75/CBM; courier express USD 5‑13/kg. DDP must be offered as one single bundled landed quotation.
‑ To receive a valid binding DDP quote you need to supply: product weight & dimensions, HS‑code, full destination address. Never accept vague rough estimates without duty calculation.
What Is DDP Shipping from China
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm where the seller or Polasourcing sourcing agent bears full end‑to‑end shipment accountability: export clearance in China, international transport, destination‑country import clearance, duty‑&‑tax disbursement and final delivery to buyer’s address.
Transit benchmarks: air DDP 3‑7 days; sea LCL DDP 25‑35 days.
Your choice of Incoterm defines freight‑payer, customs‑party and risk‑allocation. DDP puts maximum operational work on the agent and minimum administrative burden on importers. This guide defines coverage, exclusions, compares EXW / FOB / DAP / DDP and explains suitable use‑cases.
DDP Definition
Under DDP rules the agent takes charge of every logistical and fiscal step until goods reach the named destination location: Chinese export formalities, main carriage, destination import customs clearance, duty & VAT settlement, last‑mile drop‑off. The buyer receives already‑cleared goods and owes no further money to customs authorities.
What Is Included in DDP Service
‑ International freight (air / sea / rail / express courier)
‑ China export customs clearance plus complete export documentation
‑ Import duty calculated from product HS‑code
‑ Destination‑country VAT / GST / sales tax
‑ Import customs‑broker service fees
‑ Final‑mile delivery to home, private warehouse or Amazon FBA warehouse
What Is NOT Included in DDP
‑ Mandatory product compliance certifications (CE, FCC, CPC, FDA). Certifications need completion before shipment.
‑ Storage fees after cargo arrives if buyer cannot receive delivery.
‑ Demurrage / detention penalties triggered by buyer‑side errors (wrong address, missing FBA booking appointment).
‑ Destination‑warehousing, product returns, compliance laboratory testing.
A formal DDP quotation shall explicitly list both included and excluded line‑items in writing.
Incoterm Comparison: EXW / FOB / DAP / DDP
| Incoterm | Freight paid by | Duty & VAT paid by | Customs handling | Best‑fit scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW Ex Works | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer handles both export & import clearance | You have an in‑house full‑service freight forwarder |
| FOB Free On Board | Buyer (from Chinese port onward) | Buyer | Seller does export; buyer manages import | You wish full control over freight and tax affairs |
| DAP Delivered At Place | Seller | Buyer | Buyer performs import clearance and pays taxes | You want door drop‑off but intend to settle duties locally |
| DDP Delivered Duty Paid | Seller / Agent | Seller / Agent | Agent completes both export and import procedures | You need true fixed‑price door‑to‑door turnkey import |
> Note: All freight numbers are H2‑2026 reference values, request formal binding quotation from Polasourcing.
H2‑2026 Reference Freight Ranges
DDP is a combined all‑in landed price. Underlying component benchmarks for planning purposes:
‑ Air freight: USD 4.50‑9.50 / kg
‑ Sea LCL less‑than‑container‑load: USD 35‑75 / CBM
‑ Express courier: USD 5‑13 / kg
Duty and VAT vary heavily by HS‑code and receiving nation. Never compare raw ocean/air freight rate against complete DDP landed cost.
When to Choose DDP vs FOB
- *Choose DDP**:
‑ First‑time importers, Amazon‑FBA sellers shipping to fulfilment centres
‑ You do not retain a local customs broker
‑ Small‑to‑medium‑sized batches; value convenience and predictable total landed cost above minor potential savings
‑ Wish to avoid complex customs‑related paperwork.
- *Choose FOB**:
‑ You already have reliable freight‑forwarder and customs‑broker at destination
‑ High‑volume bulk shipments where you want to negotiate freight rates independently
‑ You need to manage duty‑payment timing for cash‑flow optimisation
‑ Your national import‑tax regulation is complicated and you prefer your local broker to administer it.
Steps to Request a Binding DDP Quotation
- Submit full‑product information: description, gross‑net weight, carton dimensions, total order quantity
- Supply HS‑code; Polasourcing can assist with HS classification if you do not have one
- Furnish complete destination delivery address (private warehouse, residence or Amazon FBA fulfilment centre ID)
- Confirm Incoterm requirement and transport mode: air / sea / express DDP door‑to‑door
- Receive dated written quotation: itemised breakdown for freight, duty, VAT, brokerage, last‑mile plus final grand‑total landed‑cost.
Qualified agents avoid giving vague ball‑park figures; they itemise every cost component. For full import workflow review, read Polasourcing step‑by‑step import guide.
Related Sourcing Guides
‑ Import from China: Step‑by‑Step Guide
‑ Polasourcing Amazon FBA Prep Service in China
‑ How to Pay Chinese Suppliers Safely
‑ Polasourcing China Sourcing Agent for Amazon FBA (USA)
‑ Polasourcing China Sourcing Agent for Europe
‑ Request Binding DDP Quotation
