DDP vs DDU Explained for Amazon Sellers

Release time:

2025-05-29

Which Is Better for Shipping from China to the USA?

When shipping products from China to Amazon FBA warehouses in the U.S., choosing the right delivery method is critical. You may have heard of DDP and DDU—two common international shipping terms—but what’s the difference, and which one should Amazon sellers choose?

Let’s make it simple.

✅ What Is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)?

DDP means “duties paid and delivered to your door”.

Once you hand your goods to the freight forwarder, they handle everything:

Pickup in China

Export customs

Air or sea freight to the USA

U.S. customs clearance & import tax

Final delivery to Amazon FBA or other address

You don’t need a U.S. company, EIN, or deal with customs paperwork.

Best for sellers who:

Don’t have a U.S. business or importer

Want a worry-free experience

Need goods delivered directly to FBA

Prefer to know the full cost upfront

❓ What Is DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)?

DDU means “duties unpaid”. The forwarder ships the goods to the U.S., but you are responsible for import clearance and duties.

If you're unfamiliar with the process or don’t have a U.S. importer, your goods may be stuck in customs, delayed, or returned.

Common issues with DDU:

No U.S. tax ID = can’t clear customs

Unexpected duty/tax bills

Amazon FBA will reject DDU shipments

🚚 DDP vs DDU: A Quick Comparison

Feature	DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)	DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
U.S. customs clearance	✅ Handled by forwarder	❌ You must handle it
Import duties included	✅ Yes (all-in)	❌ No (you pay upon arrival)
Deliverable to Amazon FBA?	✅ Yes	❌ No, Amazon will refuse
U.S. company/tax ID required	❌ Not needed	✅ Usually required
Risk of delay or hold	❌ Low	✅ High
Overall cost	Slightly higher, fully transparent	Cheaper quote, hidden costs