DAP vs DDP: who pays what on a clothing order
Updated
By default, we deliver DAP, door to door. Our partner forwarders handle transport and customs clearance: we arrange clearance on behalf of the client, who remains the importer and pays the import duties and import VAT. DDP, where the seller carries those costs, is available only on request, with a specific quote.
What DAP and DDP mean
DAP (delivered at place) and DDP (delivered duty paid) are Incoterms. These are standard trade terms that say who pays for what, and who is responsible, at each stage of a shipment.
Under DAP, the seller arranges transport to the agreed address. Import duties and taxes stay with the buyer. Under DDP, the seller takes on the duties and the import formalities as well.
The importer is the party in whose name the goods are declared to customs. That party is liable for duties and import VAT. Vortexmaarij is not the importer on your order.
Who pays what
| Cost or task | DAP (our default) | DDP (on request) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to your address | Organised by us, one booking | Organised by us, one booking |
| Customs clearance | Arranged by our partner forwarders on your behalf; you remain the importer | Organised by our partner forwarders |
| Import duties | You, as the importer | Included in the DDP price, agreed in advance |
| Import VAT | You, as the importer | Included in the DDP price, agreed in advance |
| Final delivery | Organised by us | Organised by us |
If we advance duties or VAT so that the goods can be released, we re-invoice the exact amount. Nothing is added on top.
One booking, one price for transport
Transport and its organisation go into a single booking under Vortexmaarij Ltd, at one price. You do not have to coordinate a forwarder, a broker and a courier yourself.
That price covers the organisation of the journey. It does not cover duties or import VAT on a DAP order. Plan for them separately, and ask your customs broker or accountant what applies to your product.
How it works in each hub
Morocco (Tangier–Tetouan). Goods travel by road and sea via Tanger Med and Algeciras. Transport takes 2 to 5 days and production 18 to 24 days, so the total is 20 to 29 days, door to door. Test runs and small batches welcome, no strict minimum; best unit price from 300 pieces. Our partner forwarders organise clearance on your behalf; you remain the importer, and duties and import VAT are yours. If you supply your own materials, they travel from the EU to our workshop and come back as finished goods: customs clearance is then a round trip, priced in the quote simulator. See the Morocco apparel manufacturing page.
Portugal (Porto). Transport is by road and takes 48 to 72 hours. Production takes 24 to 35 days, so the total is 26 to 38 days. Minimum order: 100 pairs.
Portugal is in the EU. For a delivery within the EU, there is no import and no customs clearance. If you are a business, you account for intra-community VAT yourself (the reverse charge). For the UK and Switzerland, clearance is organised on your behalf; you remain the importer, and duties and import VAT are yours. See the Portugal sneaker manufacturing page.
Sri Lanka (Colombo). Goods travel by sea or air in 5 to 30 days. Production takes 32 to 45 days, so the total is 37 to 75 days. Minimum order: 30,000 pieces. Clearance is organised on your behalf; you remain the importer, and duties and import VAT are yours. See the Sri Lanka garment manufacturing page.
What the quote simulator shows
The quote simulator gives an indicative unit price for delivery to an address in the EU, plus an indicative flat fee per shipment for customs clearance by our forwarder. Duties and import VAT are not part of that figure. A firm quote follows within 48 business hours.
If you want DDP, say so when you send your files. We then prepare a specific quote for it.
Questions to ask about any delivery quote
Which term does the quote use, DAP or DDP?
Do not rely on the label alone. Ask what it covers.
Who is the importer?
This decides who pays duties and import VAT.
Which delivery address and transport mode are assumed?
A different address or mode can change the cost and the transit time.
What is outside the price?
Ask for it in writing.
What does not change
The delivery term does not change the minimum order, the production time or the quality checks. In all three hubs, we run quality checks during production, on the line. Before every shipment, we carry out a final inspection at AQL 2.5, based on ISO 2859-1 sampling.
FAQ
Do I pay customs duties on shoes made in Portugal?
Not for a delivery within the EU, as there is no import. For the UK and Switzerland, we organise clearance on your behalf, but you remain the importer, and duties and import VAT are yours.
Are you the importer of record?
No. Vortexmaarij is not the importer. You are, unless we agree otherwise in a specific quote.
Can I get DDP?
Yes, on request, with a specific quote. DAP is our default.
Can I see a price before I send my files?
Yes. The simulator gives an indicative unit price. When you are ready, send your tech pack and receive a firm quote within 48 business hours.
Next step
If you are not sure which hub fits your product and volume, start with our comparison of the three hubs. If you already know, run your numbers in the quote simulator.