DDP Shipping to and from the UAE: EXW, DAP (DDU) & DDP Services

The three terms at a glance

EXW (Ex Works)

Under EXW, the seller simply makes the goods available at its own premises, such as a factory or warehouse. The buyer takes on almost everything else: loading, export clearance, international freight, import clearance, duties and delivery. EXW gives the buyer full control, but also full responsibility, and it can be tricky when the buyer has no presence in the seller's country to handle export formalities.

DAP (Delivered at Place), formerly DDU

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) was removed from the Incoterms rules in the 2010 edition and replaced by DAP. Many people still say "DDU", and in practice it is treated as DAP. Under DAP, the seller arranges and pays for transport to the named destination, ready for unloading. The buyer then handles import clearance and pays import duties and taxes.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

Under DDP, the seller takes on the maximum responsibility: transport to the named destination, export and import clearance, and payment of import duties and taxes. The buyer simply receives the goods. DDP gives the buyer a "landed cost" with no surprises, which is why it is popular for e-commerce and for customers who do not want to deal with customs.

Who pays for what?

• Export clearance: buyer under EXW; seller under DAP and DDP.
• Main international freight: buyer under EXW; seller under DAP and DDP.
• Import clearance: buyer under EXW and DAP; seller under DDP.
• Import duties and taxes: buyer under EXW and DAP; seller under DDP.
• Risk passes to the buyer when goods are made available at the seller's premises (EXW), or at the named destination (DAP and DDP).

Incoterms do not cover everything, such as when ownership transfers or how payment is made, so these points should still be agreed in your sales contract. The current edition is Incoterms 2020, published by the International Chamber of Commerce.

What our service includes

• EXW pickups from suppliers worldwide, with export clearance arranged at origin through our partners.
• DAP deliveries to your customer's address, with clear guidance for the buyer on import clearance.
• DDP shipments into the UAE and to other countries where DDP is possible, with duties and taxes paid on your behalf. [PLACEHOLDER: countries where you can offer DDP]
• Landed cost estimates combining freight, duties, taxes and fees.
• Customs clearance in the UAE through our customs brokerage team.

How it works

1. Share your contract terms: the agreed Incoterm, the named place, and details of the goods.
2. Check the costs. We estimate freight, duties and taxes so you can price your goods correctly.
3. Book the shipment by sea, air or road, depending on urgency and budget.
4. Clear and ship. We handle export formalities and transport, plus import clearance and duties for DDP.
5. Deliver to the named place and confirm delivery with proof.

Choosing the right term

Choose EXW if you are a buyer with a trusted forwarder who can handle export at origin. Choose DAP if you want to deliver to the buyer's door but prefer the buyer to handle their own import duties. Choose DDP if your customers expect a simple, all-inclusive price, as is common in online retail. Our logistics consultancy team can review the terms you use today.

Why choose Global Logistic Group

• Plain-language advice on Incoterms and their real cost implications.
• One provider for pickup, freight, customs and delivery.
• Accurate duty estimates based on correct HS codes.
• Worldwide partners for origin pickups and destination deliveries.