Logistics

What DDP actually covers on a medical vial shipment

By Yunhon Export Desk · Updated Aug 11, 2026 · ~7 min read

Most of the sticky moments we see with first-time importers aren’t about glass quality. They’re about a quote that looked cheap until customs and drayage showed up as separate invoices. That’s why we push DDP when we talk to US facilities.

DDP — Delivered Duty Paid — means the seller is on the hook to get the goods to the place you name, with import formalities handled. On a vial order, a clean DDP unit price should already bake in product, export packing, main freight, clearance, duties, and the final truck to your dock. If any of those are “extra,” you’re not really comparing DDP to DDP.

Where buyers still get surprised

Even under DDP, spell out the delivery point. “Los Angeles” is not the same as a specific warehouse door in Ontario, CA with limited receiving hours. Detention, liftgate needs, or a residential-looking address can change the trucking piece. We ask for the receiving contact early so the quote matches the actual stop.

Another soft spot: samples vs bulk. Sample cartons usually travel express (DHL/FedEx). Bulk often goes ocean. Don’t assume the sample courier rate predicts container economics. It won’t.

Questions worth putting in the email

Is the unit price DDP to our full street address?
Who files entry, and who pays duty if classification is challenged?
What Incoterm applies if we later ask for EXW for a freight forwarder we already use?
Are pallets heat-treated / ISPM-15 marked for the US?

We’re happy when a buyer asks those. It usually means they’ve been burned once and won’t be again. If you want a number for your address, send the ship-to details or ping us on WhatsApp.