Cost structure

DAP delivery, duties and the buyer's clearance role

Buyers often ask what dap delivery and duties costs. The useful answer is which line items move, and who controls each one.

Charges set before loading: buyer entry readiness

Make sure the buyer is ready to file the import entry at arrival; otherwise the goods can sit at the named place with the seller's delivery already complete.

We quote these separately so a landed-cost model does not hide them inside a single freight number.

Charges that depend on the declaration: arriving means of transport

Under DAP the seller delivers the goods on the arriving means of transport at the named place, ready for unloading, but import clearance and duties stay with the buyer.

This is the line most likely to change if the description or classification is amended.

Charges that appear after arrival: unloading charges

State the exact delivery point, because charges for unloading and any terminal storage after arrival depend on that definition.

We flag these in advance rather than presenting them as a surprise on the arrival invoice.

The failure point we see most often: Assuming DAP includes import duty and clearance in the same way as DDP.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

Request a routed freight quote · Chat on WhatsApp · info@hovmar.com

Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.