Many importers assume that DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) always includes a tax document in their company name. This is not the case. The standard DDP service is designed for small packages that are cleared at port as a whole pallet or container — without a DUA document in your name. For small volumes this is safe, but for large annual sales it becomes a risk.
The DUA (Documento Único Administrativo) is the official import declaration used in Spain and the EU. When you import under your own name, you receive a DUA that you can use for tax and accounting purposes. Without it, you cannot justify your imports in your tax records. If your annual import value is significant, operating without a DUA is a compliance risk.
The good news is that DDP with a DUA document is possible — but not for every product, and only above certain shipping volumes:
Not all products are eligible, so each case must be confirmed individually. The DUA option also requires reaching the minimum order quantity for the shipping system.
If your import volume is growing, do not rely on small-package DDP indefinitely. As soon as your annual volume becomes significant, request DDP with a DUA document — and remind your sourcing team early, because the option must be arranged per product and per shipment.
YWHOLA can help you determine the right shipping method and arrange DUA-compliant DDP for your volume. Contact us to discuss your shipping and tax requirements.
