Delivered at Frontier (DAF) is a term in the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) that means the seller delivers the goods to the buyer at a specified frontier point (usually at the border of the exporting country or the importing country), completing the delivery. The seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the named frontier point and bears all risks and costs until delivery, including export clearance; the buyer is responsible for all matters after taking delivery at the frontier, including import clearance and onward transport. This term is suitable for trade between adjacent countries, especially by road or rail. When using DAF, the frontier delivery point must be clearly specified, e.g., 'DAF Manzhouli'. Note: DAF applies only to frontier delivery; if the delivery point is inland in the importing country, DDP or DAP should be used. Unlike DES (Delivered Ex Ship), DAF applies to land transport; compared with FCA (Free Carrier), the seller bears more transport responsibility under DAF. In Incoterms 2010, DAF was replaced by DAP, but it is still used in practice.
📝 Examples
1. We signed a contract with a Russian customer stipulating DAF Manzhouli, where the seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the Manzhouli frontier station and handling export clearance, while the buyer bears the costs of onward transport and import clearance. (Note: DAF specifies the frontier point and clarifies the division of responsibilities between buyer and seller.)
2. This batch of machinery and equipment uses the DAF term, delivered at the Alashankou frontier. The seller must bear all risks and costs until the goods reach that frontier, and the buyer arranges entry procedures after taking delivery. (Note: DAF is commonly used in land border trade, with the seller responsible for export clearance and the buyer for import clearance.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner