DAP (Delivered at Place) is an Incoterm under which the seller delivers the goods, ready for unloading, at a named destination and bears all risk and cost up to that point, while the buyer handles import clearance and duties.
DAP (Delivered at Place) is a "delivered" Incoterm under which the seller takes on most of the journey: the seller delivers the goods, ready for unloading, at a named destination and bears all cost and risk up to that point. The buyer's main responsibilities are import clearance, duties and unloading.
Under DAP, the seller arranges and pays for transport to the agreed destination — which can be the buyer's premises, a terminal or any named place — and remains responsible for the goods until they arrive there ready to be unloaded. The seller does not unload the goods and does not clear them for import; those tasks belong to the buyer.
The seller handles export clearance, arranges and pays for main carriage, and delivers the goods ready for unloading at the destination, bearing risk to that point. The buyer unloads the goods, completes import customs clearance and pays customs duty and taxes.
Risk transfers to the buyer when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal at the named destination, ready for unloading. Because the seller carries risk for almost the entire journey, DAP is convenient for buyers who want delivery close to their location without taking on the transport risk.
These three delivered terms differ at the destination. Under DAP, the seller delivers ready for unloading and the buyer unloads. Under DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded), the seller also unloads the goods. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the seller goes furthest of all, clearing the goods for import and paying all duties. The choice depends on which party should handle unloading and import formalities.
DAP suits buyers who want the goods delivered to a named place while retaining control of import clearance — useful when the buyer can reclaim import taxes or wants to manage customs itself. Sellers should use DAP only when they can reliably arrange transport to the destination country.
DAP is a buyer-friendly Incoterm in which the seller delivers the goods ready for unloading at a named place and carries risk for most of the journey, while the buyer handles unloading, import clearance and duties. Understanding how DAP compares with DPU and DDP helps both parties assign responsibility for unloading and import formalities correctly. Always name the exact destination and state the Incoterms version.