DDU vs DDP

We ship worldwide from India. Knitsilk  does not collect import VAT, customs duties, or local taxes at checkout unless DDP is explicitly offered and selected. Read the short comparison below so you know what to expect and how to avoid delivery surprises.

Quick Summary

  • DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid / DAP): Import VAT and duties are not paid by us. The recipient pays any import charges to the carrier or customs when the parcel arrives.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Import VAT and duties are prepaid so the parcel arrives cleared and the recipient pays no additional import charges on delivery (only available where we can offer it).
DDU / DAP DDP
Who pays import VAT and duties Recipient (you) Seller / shipper (prepaid)
Customs clearance Handled by carrier; recipient pays fees Handled and paid by shipper or broker
Extra charges on delivery Possible; you may be billed on arrival None for import taxes/duties at delivery
Risk of refusal or return Higher if recipient refuses to pay Lower; smoother delivery
Best for Customers who prefer lower upfront cost Customers who want a single landed price
Availability Available for most destinations May be limited by destination or product; check at checkout

What you need to know about DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

  • Default for most international orders: Unless DDP is shown at checkout, expect DDU.
  • You will be contacted to pay import VAT, duties, and handling fees by the carrier or customs before or at delivery. Payment methods vary by carrier.
  • If you refuse to pay, the parcel may be returned or destroyed and return fees may apply.
  • How to estimate costs: Import VAT is usually a percentage of the item value plus shipping; duties depend on the product’s HS code and your country’s rules. Use your country’s customs tariff lookup or calculator for an estimate.
  • For business customers: Provide your EORI/VAT number to customs if applicable; this may change how VAT is handled.

What you need to know about DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

  • All import taxes and duties are paid in advance so your parcel arrives cleared and you pay no additional import fees on delivery.
  • DDP may not be available for all destinations or product types. If offered, it will appear at checkout or you can request a DDP quote for bulk/business orders.
  • If you need an exact landed cost: Ask us for a DDP quote and provide destination, product details, and any business tax ID required.

How to choose — quick checklist

  • Want no surprises at delivery? Choose DDP if available.
  • Prefer lower upfront cost and handle import locally? Choose DDU/DAP and be ready to pay VAT/duties on arrival.
  • Ordering for resale or business import: Request a DDP quote and give your EORI/VAT number.

Practical tips and contact

  • Check your country’s import rules and VAT rate before ordering.
  • Track your shipment and keep customs paperwork until delivery is complete.
  • Need DDP for a bulk or business order? Contact Knitsilk  support with destination, product HS codes, quantities, and business tax ID so we can provide a landed-cost quote.
  • Questions about a specific shipment? Provide the order number and destination when you contact support.

Copy‑paste friendly short notice for product pages or checkout

Shipping and import taxes — We ship from India. Import VAT and duties are not collected at checkout unless you select DDP where available. 
DDU/DAP: You pay import taxes and duties to the carrier or customs on delivery. 
DDP: Duties and VAT are prepaid, so no additional import charges on delivery. 
Contact Knitsilk  for DDP quotes or business orders

Option What it means Who pays taxes & duties Delivery experience Best for
DDU / DAP (Delivered Duty Unpaid / At Place) Price covers shipping only You (the customer) pay import VAT/duties when the parcel arrives Carrier may ask for payment before delivery; extra charges possible Shoppers who prefer lower upfront cost
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Price includes shipping + all import taxes/duties Seller (Knitsilk) has prepaid taxes/duties No surprise charges at delivery; smoother customs clearance Shoppers who want a single, all-inclusive price