What is DAP (Delivered at Place)?
Delivered at Place (DAP) is an Incoterms rule for any mode of transport under which the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal on the arriving vehicle, ready for unloading, at the named place of destination. The seller bears all risk and cost of getting the goods there; the buyer unloads, clears the goods for import and pays duties and taxes.
At a glance
| Term | DAP |
|---|---|
| Definition | Delivered at Place — seller delivers to a named destination, ready for unloading, but the buyer handles import clearance and duties. |
| Category | Logistics & delivery |
| Related terms | Incoterms, EXW (Ex Works), FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP, B/L (Bill of Lading), Laycan, Demurrage |
What it is used for
DAP suits deals where the buyer wants a delivered price to their plant, warehouse or border point, but the seller cannot or will not act as importer of record in the buyer's country.
Key points
- The seller arranges and pays for carriage to the named destination and bears the risk until arrival there.
- Delivery is on the arriving vehicle, ready for unloading — the buyer unloads at their own cost and risk.
- Import clearance, duties, VAT and any import licences are the buyer's responsibility.
- The seller clears export and handles any transit formalities on the way.
What to watch for
- If the goods are held at customs because the buyer's import clearance is late, the buyer bears the delay costs — but the seller still owns the risk until delivery, so agree who covers storage.
- Name the destination to the exact address or terminal. 'DAP Lagos' leaves the seller paying whatever the buyer's forwarder calls the delivery point.
- Do not confuse with DDP: under DDP the seller also clears imports and pays duty, which usually requires a local presence or fiscal representative.
Frequently asked questions
Who unloads under DAP?
The buyer. The seller's obligation ends when the goods are at the buyer's disposal on the arriving vehicle, ready for unloading.
What is the difference between DAP and DDP?
Under DAP the buyer clears the goods for import and pays duties and taxes. Under DDP the seller does all of that too, delivering fully duty paid.
What is the difference between DAP and DPU?
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) adds unloading to the seller's obligations. Under DAP the buyer unloads.
Related terms
Lodfy verifies every company on the platform — registration, ownership and sanctions screening — before they can trade.