DAP at a glance
Under DAP, the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport, ready for unloading at the named place.
Shipment
- Named location
- Named place of destination
- Delivery point
- When goods are ready for unloading at the named destination place
- Risk transfer
- When goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal ready for unloading at the named place
Responsibilities
- Main carriage
- Seller arranges and pays
- Export clearance
- Seller
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Insurance
- DAP does not require either party to contract for cargo insurance.
Contract
- Common comparison
- Compare with DPUDPU requires the seller to unload.
Illustrative notation: DAP buyer warehouse, Chicago, IL, Incoterms® 2020. Customize and copy below ->
Responsibility journey
- Delivery point
- When goods are ready for unloading at the named destination place
- Risk transfer
- When goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal ready for unloading at the named place
Seller / exporter
- Cost
- Seller
Origin pickup
- Cost
- Seller
Export clearance
- Cost
- Seller
- Export
- Seller
Origin terminal
- Cost
- Seller
Carrier handoff
- Cost
- Seller
Main carriage
- Cost
- Seller
Destination terminal
- Cost
- Seller
Import clearance
- Cost
- Seller
- Import
- Buyer
Final delivery
- Cost
- Seller
- Handoff
- Delivery + risk transfer
Buyer / importer
- Cost
- Buyer
Who pays what under DAP?
DAP keeps risk with the seller through to destination arrival. The buyer typically handles unloading and import clearance.
Seller does
- Arrange carriage to the named place
- Bear risk until goods are ready for unloading at destination
- Complete export clearance
Buyer does
- Unload at the named place
- Handle import clearance and duties
- Take delivery when goods are ready for unloading
Not determined by the DAP rule alone
- Seller insurance obligation
- Seller import clearance
When to use DAP
When DAP fits
- Door or terminal deliveries where the seller should carry risk to destination arrival
When to use DAP with caution
- Sites where unloading capability or access is uncertain
DAP shipment example
A seller delivers machinery to a named Chicago warehouse on the arriving truck, ready for unloading. Risk remains with the seller until that point. The buyer unloads and completes U.S. import formalities.
Common mistakes
- Assuming DAP includes unloading (that is closer to DPU)
- Assuming DAP includes import clearance (that is DDP)
How do you write DAP in a contract?
Include the acronym, the exact named location, and the edition.
Contract notation builder
Build an illustrative line with the acronym, named place or port, and Incoterms® 2020. Parties must agree the exact location; this does not create a contract.
DAP buyer warehouse, Chicago, IL, Incoterms® 2020Edition is fixed to Incoterms® 2020. Catalog example: DAP buyer warehouse, Chicago, IL, Incoterms® 2020
Does DAP include insurance?
DAP does not require either party to contract for cargo insurance.
DAP compared with related terms
Use these comparisons when the shipment mode, handoff point, or insurance need does not match DAP.
DAP vs. DPU
DPU requires the seller to unload.
DPU requires the seller to unload.
Open DPU details ->DAP vs. DDP
DDP also places import clearance and duties on the seller.
DDP also places import clearance and duties on the seller.
Open DDP details ->DAP vs. CPT
CPT transfers risk much earlier at origin handoff.
CPT transfers risk much earlier at origin handoff.
Open CPT details ->
Frequently asked questions
Does DAP include unloading?
No. Under DAP Incoterms® 2020, goods are delivered ready for unloading; unloading is generally the buyer’s task. Use DPU if the seller must unload.
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Talk with a Crane trade or customs specialist about transport mode, handoff points, documentation, and clearance responsibilities. This guidance is educational and is not legal advice; the parties remain responsible for selecting contractual terms.
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Last reviewed July 30, 2026. Edition reference: Incoterms® 2020 (not a new calendar-year edition).