What does the DAP (Delivered At Place) term imply for the seller's responsibilities?

The term DAP (Delivered At Place) signifies that the seller has significant responsibilities regarding the delivery of goods. Under DAP Incoterms, the seller is tasked with making the goods available at a specified destination, which often includes the buyer's premises. This means that the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with transporting the goods to that location.

In this context, the seller remains liable for any risks associated with the goods, including damages or losses, until they are delivered at the agreed-upon place. By contrast, once the goods have arrived and are available for the buyer to pick up, the responsibility then transfers to the buyer.

This understanding of DAP is critical for parties involved in international trade, as it clearly delineates the responsibilities and risks between the seller and buyer. Therefore, the recognition that the seller bears the risk until the goods reach the buyer's premises is the foundational aspect of the DAP term and aligns perfectly with the responsibilities outlined in this Incoterm.