Short answer. Incoterms 2020 define who pays for and carries the risk of each leg of a shipment. For most international GPU orders, DAP (seller delivers to your door, you clear customs and pay import taxes) is the practical default. DDP adds the seller paying import duties and taxes, which is only possible where the seller can act for the importer.
The terms you will see
| Term | Seller handles | Buyer handles |
|---|---|---|
| EXW, Ex Works | Makes goods available at its premises | Collection, export clearance, freight, insurance, import |
| FCA, Free Carrier | Export clearance and handover to your carrier | Main freight, insurance, import |
| CIP, Carriage and Insurance Paid | Freight and insurance to the named place | Import clearance and taxes; risk passes at first carrier |
| DAP, Delivered at Place | Freight to your address, risk until delivery | Import clearance, duties and taxes |
| DDP, Delivered Duty Paid | Everything including import duties and taxes | Unloading |
What to ask for
DAP keeps transit risk with the seller until the goods reach you, which suits high-value hardware. Choose DDP only when the seller states it can import on your behalf in your country. If you have your own freight forwarder, FCA lets you control the main leg.
Lineage Tech states the Incoterm on every offer and order before payment. Listed items ship DAP by default.
Sources
Specifications change; check the linked manufacturer documents before ordering. Questions? Talk to the sales desk.