Short answer
DDP and postal shipping describe different things. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a delivery term that allocates responsibilities between a seller and buyer; postal shipping is a transport service. They are not mutually exclusive alternatives. Compare the available postal, courier or other parcel services first, then confirm who handles import clearance and pays the applicable duties, taxes and fees under each written arrangement.
Separate the delivery term from the carrier service
Under DDP, the seller delivers the goods, cleared for import, to the named destination ready for unloading, and bears the agreed delivery responsibilities and import duties. A label such as "tax included" or "prepaid" does not, by itself, establish a DDP contract. Ask for the named destination, the delivery term and its version, the responsible parties and the quote exclusions.
Postal and courier services have their own acceptance rules, tracking coverage, clearance procedures and charge-collection options. A postal label alone does not say who pays import charges. DDP alone does not identify the carrier, tracking service or delivery speed, and it does not guarantee that customs will release a parcel without questions.
Compare complete costs
Request an itemised quote based on the final packed weight, dimensions, goods and destination. Check freight, packing, handling, clearance charges, applicable import duties and taxes, and any destination charges. Ask which costs are included, which are estimates, and who must pay an excluded charge.
CNCartGo's service fee guide distinguishes buying-agent charges from international freight and explains the different order flows. A procurement fee based on product order value should not be treated as a postal or DDP freight rate. Use the fee schedule that applies to your actual purchase or forwarding order.
Check the goods and delivery requirements
Batteries, liquids, cosmetics, magnets, branded goods and oversized items may need additional checks or a particular service. Provide accurate product details before requesting a quote, and ask whether the service accepts the complete parcel. Acceptance, declaration and documentation requirements must be confirmed for the destination and the chosen route.
Compare the quoted transit estimate, tracking events, delivery arrangements and claim terms. Ask how the estimate is measured and whether it excludes warehouse processing or customs time. An estimate is not a delivery guarantee. Choose a service that fits your deadline, budget and ability to respond to a clearance request.
For a destination example, read our guide to shipping from China to France and confirm the current VAT and customs requirements before dispatch.
Checklist before approving dispatch
- Record the carrier service and the written import-cost responsibilities separately.
- Confirm the named destination, accepted goods, packed weight and dimensions.
- Keep the product invoice, payment evidence and accurate declaration details together.
- Check the quote's inclusions, exclusions, estimates and payment responsibilities.
- Agree what happens if customs needs documents or the carrier rejects the goods.
If orders arrive from several sellers, check which domestic parcels have reached the warehouse before approving consolidation. A later arrival may need a separate shipment or further storage. Inspection photos can help you review visible packing, but they do not guarantee protection in transit. For available changes, see changing shipping method after warehouse arrival.
Sources and review
The HMRC Incoterms guide explains DDP responsibilities. Trade.gov's Incoterms guidance explains the scope and limits of these terms. Your contract and current service quote should state the responsibilities that apply to your shipment.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. Confirm current service availability, accepted goods and quote terms before approving dispatch.
Related guides
These companion guides cover packing, declarations and order checks before approving export.
- Combine Parcels or Ship Separately From China? A Simple Decision Checklist
- Shipping Electronics With Batteries From China: What Small Buyers Must Check First
- What Value Should You Declare When Shipping From China?
- How to Avoid Customs Declaration Mistakes When Shipping From China
- What If a China Seller Splits One Order Into Multiple Parcels?
