DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is designed for importers who want one coordinated plan from pickup in China through customs clearance and final delivery in the United States. The quotation can include freight, duties and taxes when stated clearly, helping businesses understand landed cost before cargo moves.
What is DDP shipping?
DDP is an Incoterm where the seller takes responsibility for delivering goods to a named destination, cleared for import and ready for unloading. In practice, an experienced freight partner coordinates each logistics handoff while keeping the shipper and buyer informed.
DDP vs FOB vs CIF: what is the difference?
| Responsibility | DDP | FOB | CIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| International freight | Seller / provider | Buyer | Seller |
| Export clearance | Seller / provider | Seller | Seller |
| Import clearance | Seller / provider | Buyer | Buyer |
| Duties and taxes | As quoted | Buyer | Buyer |
| Delivery to your door | Yes | No | No |
| Best fit | Hands-off importing | Buyer-controlled freight | Port-to-port shipping |
The 7-step DDP shipping process
Duties and costs: what affects your total?
A reliable DDP quotation starts with complete cargo data. The product, value, origin and destination affect both the freight plan and customs work.
- Product classification and HS code
- Cargo value and origin
- Weight and shipment volume
- Freight mode and route
- US duties, taxes and fees
- Final delivery ZIP code and access
DDP shipping to Amazon FBA
Eligible cargo can move directly to Amazon FBA facilities after import clearance. The delivery plan should account for Amazon carton labels, pallet requirements, appointment rules and the assigned fulfillment center.
Explore our DDP serviceCommon mistakes to avoid
- Using an incomplete or incorrect product description
- Comparing only the freight rate instead of landed cost
- Shipping before importer and compliance requirements are confirmed
- Missing carton, pallet or delivery-appointment details
- Assuming every DDP quote includes the same services
Frequently asked questions
Transit time depends on the freight mode, origin, destination, customs and season. Sea freight usually offers the lowest cost for larger cargo, while air freight is selected for more urgent shipments. A shipment-specific schedule should be confirmed before booking.
A DDP quotation covers more of the journey than an FOB quotation, so its headline price is normally higher. The useful comparison is total landed cost: freight, customs, duties, handling and final delivery—not the base freight rate alone.
Under a properly arranged DDP shipment, the seller or its logistics partner coordinates export and import clearance. The exact importer-of-record arrangement and product compliance responsibilities must still be confirmed before shipping.
Yes, eligible shipments can be coordinated for delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses. The freight plan must account for appointment requirements, carton labels, pallet rules and the specific fulfillment-center destination.
Provide the product description, HS code if known, cargo value, carton count and dimensions, gross weight, pickup location, destination ZIP code and requested shipping date.