The terms that matter
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller handles shipping, customs clearance, and import duties — the price you're quoted is the price you pay, and the part lands at your door. DAP (Delivered At Place) means you pay the duties and taxes yourself when the package arrives. For single orders, DDP is almost always cheaper and simpler.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — the seller handles shipping, customs, and duties. One price, lands at your door. Best choice for beginners and single orders.
- DAP (Delivered At Place) — the seller ships it to you, but YOU pay import duties and taxes on arrival. Can look cheaper up front and sting later.
- FOB / EXW — you arrange your own freight forwarder. Only worth it for large or repeated orders.
Air vs sea
Air freight takes roughly 7–12 days door to door and costs several times more — worth it for small, urgent, or high-value parts. Sea freight runs roughly 25–45 days and is far cheaper per kilo, but only makes sense when the shipment is heavy or bulky enough to justify it. Small parcels often go by air courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx) as part of a DDP quote.
Realistic timelines
Add production time on top of shipping: many parts are made to order (5–15 days) before they even ship. A "30-day" sea order can easily be 45+ days all-in. Get the production time and ship date in writing, and make Trade Assurance's on-time terms match what was promised.
Avoiding customs surprises
DDP quotes should already include duties — confirm that explicitly. With DAP, budget roughly for your country's duty rate on auto parts plus a broker fee. The seller's declared value affects what you owe, so keep it honest and keep records.