Delivered-at-Place (DAP)
Candlefocus EditorUnder this agreement, the seller assumes all risks and costs associated with moving goods to the agreed-upon place of delivery by the buyer. This may include, but is not limited to, shipping costs, packing costs, insurance, taxes, and customs duties. All of these costs are the seller's responsibility and chargeable to the buyer. This means the seller will cover all potential losses associated with the delivery of goods, but the buyer is the only one who will benefit from the sale.
The buyer assumes all risks and responsibility for the goods upon arrival to the specified location. The buyer must make sure the goods are received properly and will also be responsible for any additional fees such as demurrage or storage fees that may be incurred.
Delivered-at-place (DAP) is a more specific version of Delivered-Duty-Paid (DDP). While DDP requires the seller to make sure the goods are taken all the way to their destination, the contractual requirements under DAP are much more focused. The seller only needs to take the goods to the agreed-upon destination, while the buyer handles the rest.
Though this term is relatively new, the International Chamber of Commerce has provided guidelines to help buyers and sellers ensure that they understand the conditions under which this term operates applies . For example, the terms make it clear that the seller is not liable for any costs incurred after the goods are delivered.
International trade can often be complicated, but Delivered-at-place (DAP) is a useful tool for buyers and sellers involved in international transactions. It helps to ensure clarity in transactions and remove any ambiguity as to who is liable for what in a contract. The buyer ultimately benefits from an easier, more cost-effective delivery while the seller is able to move goods quickly and easily without worrying about being liable for any undue costs.