DAP, CIF, DDP & DDU for UK & Europe Imports from China

Choosing between DAP, CIF, DDP, and DDU for China–UK/Europe imports determines who pays freight, who clears customs, and whether you get one all-in price or multiple surprise bills.

Quick Comparison

• DDP — Forwarder pays everything including duties/VAT; you wait for door delivery.
• DDU — Forwarder delivers but you pay duty/VAT at import.
• DAP — Delivered to your address, duties unpaid.
• CIF — Freight + insurance to UK/EU port only. You handle customs and trucking.

Which Incoterm for UK vs Europe?

First-time importers: DDP — one quote, no customs stress.

Experienced importers with own broker: CIF or DAP to port.

E-commerce sellers: DDP for predictable landed cost.

Transit by Mode

GSC offers truck (~30 days), rail (~40 days), and sea (~50 days) from China to UK and Europe. See China → UK and China → Europe.