DDP shipping from China — door-to-door, duty paid
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most convenient Incoterm: the seller delivers to your address with import duty and tax paid. It is also the one to verify most carefully — a cheap DDP rate often hides how the duty was kept low.
What it includes
What a DDP price should cover
- Factory price, China inland transport, export clearance
- International freight to the destination country
- Import customs clearance at destination
- Import duty and (usually) VAT/GST
- Delivery to the named address
The catch
Four things to verify before accepting a DDP quote
Under-declared value: a low 'DDP' rate may rely on under-declaring goods — you are still the importer and carry the liability
What is really included: some DDP offers exclude VAT, peak surcharges, or remote-area delivery
No clean paper trail: you may not get the official import documents you need to reclaim VAT or prove compliance
Stuck at customs: if the category is regulated or documents are missing, delivery can stall and accountability is unclear
Next decision
Check a DDP quote against the real cost
Estimate the self-cleared landed cost
FOB price + freight + duty + VAT/GST by destination. If the DDP all-in is far below this, ask how.
Questions
DDP shipping: common questions
What does DDP mean?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the Incoterm with the most seller responsibility: the seller delivers the goods to your named destination, cleared for import, with duty and tax paid. You receive them at your door.
Is DDP shipping from China a good idea?
It can be convenient for small or simple shipments. The catch is transparency: confirm exactly what duty and taxes are included, whether the declared value is correct and legal, and whether you get the import documents you need. A cheap DDP rate that relies on under-declaration becomes your liability as importer.
What is the difference between DDP and FOB?
Under FOB you control freight and import and pay duty yourself, with full visibility. Under DDP the seller handles everything door-to-door including duty. FOB favors control and a clean paper trail; DDP favors convenience but needs careful verification.
Does DDP include VAT or GST?
Often, but not always. Some forwarder DDP offers cover import duty only, or use arrangements that leave you unable to reclaim VAT. Always confirm in writing what taxes are included and what documents you receive.
How do I check a DDP quote is fair?
Compare it against a self-cleared estimate: FOB price + freight + duty + VAT/GST for your destination and HS code. If the DDP all-in is far below that, ask how — the answer is usually the declared value. Supplymo can prepare this comparison before you pay.
Offered DDP shipping on a 1688 order?
Send the product, quantity, destination, and the DDP quote. Supplymo compares it against a self-cleared estimate and flags declared-value and document risks before you pay.