DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping means the manufacturer pays freight, US import duty, taxes, customs brokerage and delivery, and the goods arrive at your address with nothing further to pay. For clothing imports to the USA it turns a factory quote into a landed cost and removes the customs paperwork from the brand, which is why Mike Apparel ships every order DDP.
Import shipping is where first orders go wrong. A factory quotes FOB, the brand assumes that is the price, and then a forwarder invoice, a customs entry and a broker fee add 35–45%. This guide explains the shipping terms, what US customs charges on apparel, how DDP works in practice and what to check on a DDP quote.
What do the shipping terms mean?
| Term | Factory pays | You pay | Risk of surprise cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (ex works) | Nothing beyond the factory gate | Pickup, export, freight, duty, delivery | Highest |
| FOB (free on board) | Export clearance, delivery to port or airport | Freight, insurance, duty, brokerage, delivery | High |
| CIF / CFR | Freight (and insurance) to US port | Duty, brokerage, port fees, delivery | Medium |
| DAP (delivered at place) | Freight to your address | Duty, taxes, brokerage | Medium |
| DDP (delivered duty paid) | Everything to your door | Nothing further | None |
What does US customs charge on clothing?
Duty depends on the HS code, which depends on fibre and construction. Cotton t-shirts and cotton fleece hoodies are about 16.5%; synthetic-fibre knits (polyester tracksuits, nylon shells) are around 28–32%; woven cotton jackets 9–16%; wool varsity jackets around 18%; hats and beanies 7–20%. Add a merchandise processing fee (0.3464% of value, capped) and, for sea freight, a harbor maintenance fee. Section 301 tariffs apply to Chinese-origin goods only. On a $2,100 hoodie order, duty and fees are roughly $370. Under DDP that figure is inside the quote.
How does DDP work in practice?
- QuoteThe factory quotes the goods and a DDP shipping line for your ZIP code, by air and by sea.
- ExportGoods are cleared for export in Pakistan with a commercial invoice showing true value and HS codes.
- FreightAir freight to the nearest US gateway (LAX, JFK, ORD, ATL, MIA, DFW, IAH, LAS) or sea freight to a port.
- US customsThe factory’s broker files the entry, pays duty and fees, and releases the goods.
- DeliveryTrucked or couriered to your door, 3PL or printer. You sign for the cartons and pay nothing.
What should you check on a DDP quote?
- That it names your delivery address, not a port or airport.
- That duty and brokerage are stated as included, not “to be advised”.
- That the commercial invoice will show the true value; under-invoicing to reduce duty is illegal and the importer is liable.
- That the goods are insured for invoice value in transit.
- Whether the quote is air or sea and what the transit time is.
How much does DDP shipping cost per piece?
For fleece hoodies to the USA: about $3–$7 per piece by air (4–7 days) and $1.20–$3.50 by sea (4–6 weeks), duty included. Tees are roughly half that; jackets and sets about 1.5x. The line items are on our shipping page, with city-specific transit times on the Los Angeles, New York and other market pages.
What documents do you receive?
Tracking, the airway bill or bill of lading, the commercial invoice and packing list, and a copy of the customs entry once cleared. Keep them: they prove the goods were legally imported with duty paid, which matters if you later sell wholesale or apply for retail accounts. More on how we work with US brands on the USA streetwear manufacturing page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DDP and FOB?
FOB (free on board) means the factory’s price ends at the port in their country; you pay freight, duty and brokerage. DDP means the factory pays all of it and delivers to your door.
How much is US import duty on clothing?
Roughly 16.5% on cotton tees and fleece, 32% on synthetic knits, 28% on many woven jackets, and higher on some categories, plus a merchandise processing fee. It varies by HS code.
Do I need an import licence to buy clothing from overseas?
No, but under FOB or DAP terms you become the importer of record and need a customs bond and broker. Under DDP we are responsible for clearance.
Is DDP more expensive?
The total is the same; DDP just includes the costs that FOB hides. It removes the risk of a surprise duty invoice on arrival.
Last updated September 5, 2026 · Mike Apparel, Sialkot. Pricing and lead times reflect current factory capacity; confirm on your quote.