"Does the price include shipping and customs?" is one of the most important questions to ask any international supplier — and one of the most commonly misunderstood. Getting this wrong means unexpected charges arriving after your goods, sometimes totalling hundreds or thousands of dollars.
International shipping terms (called Incoterms) define exactly who pays for what in a cross-border shipment. There are eleven Incoterms in the official rulebook, but for most inflatable buyers, only three matter: EXW, FOB, and DDP. Understanding the difference takes five minutes and can save you significant cost and stress.
The Four Key Shipping Terms Compared
| Term | Seller Pays | Buyer Pays | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EXW Ex Works | Nothing after factory gate | Everything: domestic freight, export customs, international freight, import duties, delivery | 🔴 Highest buyer risk | Large importers with own logistics |
FOB Free on Board | Gets goods to origin port, handles export customs | International freight, import duties, customs clearance, delivery | 🟡 Shared risk | Experienced importers using freight forwarders |
CIF Cost, Insurance, Freight | Freight and insurance to destination port | Import duties, customs clearance, final delivery | 🟡 Moderate | Buyers with customs clearance capability |
DDP Delivered Duty Paid | Everything: export, freight, import duties, delivery | Nothing extra — one inclusive price | 🟢 Lowest buyer risk | First-time importers, event agencies, brands |
Illustrative FOB vs DDP Cost Comparison
FOB Order — What a First-Time Buyer Experiences
This is an illustrative breakdown, not a customer invoice. A genuine DDP quote would state one landed total covering the agreed product and listed logistics costs; it would not turn an $800 FOB product price into an $800 delivered price.
Import Duty Rates by Country for Inflatables
Custom inflatables are typically classified under HS code 9505.90 (festive articles) or 3926.40 (plastic articles for building) depending on the product type and destination country. Rates below are indicative — exact classification is confirmed at customs.
| Country | Typical Duty Rate | VAT/GST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 0–6.5% | None at federal level | State sales tax may apply on final sale |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 0–5.3% | 20% VAT | VAT is reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses |
| 🇩🇪 Germany / EU | 0–6.5% | 19% VAT (DE) | VAT reclaimable for registered EU businesses |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 5% | 10% GST | GST reclaimable for GST-registered businesses |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 0–18% | 5% GST + provincial | Rate varies significantly by HS classification |
| 🇫🇷 France | 0–6.5% | 20% TVA | TVA reclaimable for registered French businesses |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DDP mean in shipping?
DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid. Under DDP shipping terms, the seller (manufacturer) is responsible for all costs and risks associated with transporting goods to the buyer's named location — including export fees, international freight, import duties, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery. The buyer pays one agreed price and receives the goods at their door with no additional charges.
How much are import duties on custom inflatables?
Import duty rates for custom inflatables (typically classified under HS code 9505.90 or 3926.40 depending on the product) vary by country. USA: 0–6.5% depending on material and classification. UK: 0–5.3% post-Brexit. EU (Germany, France, Netherlands): 0–6.5%. Australia: 5%. Canada: 0–18% depending on classification. Under DDP shipping, all these duties are calculated and paid by InflatCustom — you see one inclusive price.
What is the difference between DDP, FOB and EXW shipping?
EXW (Ex Works): the buyer collects from the factory and handles all costs from that point — including domestic transport to port, export customs, international freight, import duties, and delivery. Maximum buyer responsibility. FOB (Free on Board): the seller loads goods onto the vessel at the origin port; the buyer handles international freight, import customs, duties, and delivery. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the seller handles everything door-to-door. Minimum buyer responsibility — you pay one price and receive your goods.
Can I be charged extra fees after agreeing on a DDP price?
Under genuine DDP terms, no. The DDP price is inclusive of all costs to your named delivery address. However, some suppliers quote 'DDP' but exclude import VAT (common in EU countries) or local delivery surcharges. Always confirm in writing that the quoted price includes import VAT/GST if applicable, and ask for a breakdown of what is included in the DDP price before ordering.
Does InflatCustom offer DDP shipping to my country?
Yes. InflatCustom offers DDP shipping to the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Netherlands, and 80+ countries worldwide. Under DDP terms, we handle all customs documentation, import duties, and door-to-door delivery. Contact us with your delivery address for a DDP quote inclusive of all charges.
DDP Is Available for Supported Destinations
InflatCustom can quote DDP door delivery for many projects in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and other supported markets. The quote is confirmed against the exact address, packed dimensions and current carrier route. Buyers who already manage freight can also request a separately stated factory or freight term for comparison.
