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Understanding DAP (Delivered At Place): What UK Importers and Exporters Need to Know

DAP shipping terms UK explained: this guide shows how Delivered At Place works for UK importers and exporters—who handles delivery to the named place, customs clearance, duties and risk.

What Is DAP in Shipping?

DAP (Delivered At Place) is one of the most practical Incoterms for international trade.
Under DAP, the seller is responsible for arranging transport and delivering goods to a named location — often the buyer’s warehouse, port, or depot.
Once the goods reach that point, the buyer takes over, handling import customs clearance, duties, and taxes.

For many UK importers, DAP offers simplicity and peace of mind, the seller manages the heavy logistics while you focus on receiving and distributing your goods.

DAP shipping terms UK shown as delivery to a named UK warehouse

DAP Responsibilities Explained

DAP Responsibilities — Incoterms® 2025

Responsibility	Seller	Buyer
Export customs clearance	✓
Main international freight	✓
Import customs clearance		✓
Payment of duties & taxes		✓
Delivery to named place	✓
➜ Risk transfer point	When goods arrive at the named place

Table: Responsibilities and risk transfer for DAP (Delivered At Place).

Benefits of DAP for UK Importers

Simplified logistics: The seller arranges export transport and paperwork, reducing admin for importers.
Predictable costs: Shipping and delivery costs are set upfront, with no hidden surprises.
Reduced risk of shipping delays: The exporter manages the main freight leg, often ensuring smoother transit.
Perfect for first-time importers: Especially for smaller UK companies sourcing from China or the USA.

At Aver Logistics, we regularly coordinate DAP shipments from Shenzhen, Ningbo, Los Angeles & New York to the UK, giving our clients reliable door-to-door control.

Benefits of DAP for UK Exporters

Control the main carriage to the named place — you choose routing, carriers and schedules, keeping visibility right up to delivery.
Buyer-friendly offer — you deliver to your customer’s location (or agreed depot), while they handle import clearance, duties and taxes.
Clear risk transfer — risk passes at delivery to the named place, before unloading (unloading is the buyer’s cost/risk under DAP).
Commercial leverage — package a delivered price to differentiate quotes and make budgeting simpler for the buyer.

With Aver Logistics, DAP shipping terms UK become predictable with our explanation of responsibilities, proactive documentation checks, and reliable transit.

Challenges to Watch For

While DAP simplifies many aspects of international trade, it’s important to plan for:

Duties and taxes: These are the buyer’s responsibility — budget for them in advance.
Import delays: Clearance can be held up if documents aren’t complete or accurate.
Communication: Always agree precisely on the delivery location and who manages each step.

How Aver Logistics Supports DAP Shipments

At Aver Logistics, we specialise in end-to-end DAP solutions for both importers and exporters.
Our team ensures that every shipment — whether by sea or air freight — moves smoothly and transparently, from the point of dispatch to delivery in the UK.

We provide: