If you love the clean lines and performance of European fenestration but worry about red tape, here's the honest answer: it's not simple - but it doesn't have to be your problem.
I use a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) model that gives you a single, all-in price and a single point of accountability from factory to job site. You approve the windows, prepare the openings, and receive the delivery. I handle everything in between.
This guide explains what DDP means in practice, what's included in the price, how compliance is handled, and exactly what you do versus what I do.
TL;DR: DDP Means One Price, Zero Import Headaches
- One contract, one invoice: Your quote includes product, crating, marine insurance, ocean freight, customs clearance, duties, domestic trucking, and delivery.
- Compliance support: NAFS performance data and NFRC documentation available for many configurations, and I can help navigate the compliance conversation for your jurisdiction.
- Logistics managed: ISF filing, carrier booking, customs entry, inland transport, damage claims, and schedule buffers - handled by me and my licensed U.S. partners.
- You focus on the build: Approve shops, prepare openings, receive and install.
What DDP Actually Means
Delivered Duty Paid is an Incoterms rule where the seller delivers goods to the buyer's country with all costs and risks covered - including import duties. For you: no separate freight bill, no customs broker to hire, no surprise fees.
| Incoterm | Who Handles Freight | Who Handles Customs | Who Handles Duties | Your Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | You | You | You | Everything |
| FOB (Free on Board) | You (from port) | You | You | Most of it |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Seller (to port) | You | You | Customs + inland |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Me | Me | Me | Approve, receive, install |
The DDP Workflow: 7 Steps
Step 1 - Discovery (Days 1-5). Share elevations, window schedule, performance targets, and finish preferences. I'll flag value engineering options and identify the best-fit manufacturer for the project.
Step 2 - DDP Proposal (Days 3-7). Line-item proposal with a DDP total. It clearly states what's included and what's not - no surprises.
Step 3 - Shop Drawings (1-3 Weeks). I produce elevations and sections along with a submittal pack. Installation details can be coordinated for your specific wall types. You mark up, I revise, you approve.
Step 4 - Fabrication (8-12 Weeks). Order goes to a vetted European fabricator. Frames are factory-glazed and crated for long-haul transport.
Step 5 - Shipping (Parallel with Fabrication). I book ocean freight, file ISF where required, and issue marine insurance. Runs parallel with fabrication so there's no dead time.
Step 6 - Customs and Delivery (Arrival + 2-5 Days). I handle customs entry, pay duties, arrange drayage, and schedule delivery. You get crate maps, labels, and handling instructions before the truck arrives.
Step 7 - Install Support and Closeout. Installation guidance, punch support, warranties, and a closeout pack with available compliance documentation and care instructions.
What's in Your DDP Price (and What Isn't)
Included
- Custom windows and doors, factory glazing, hardware, and finishes
- Export packing and marine insurance
- Ocean freight and terminal/port handling
- Customs brokerage, entry filing, and duties/tariffs/CBP fees
- Domestic trucking to your site with a delivery appointment
- Crate maps, labeling, and receiving checklist
- Closeout documentation: available compliance paperwork, warranty, care and maintenance
Not Included (Priced as Add-Ons When Needed)
- On-site offloading equipment (forks, crane) and rigging
- Inside delivery beyond truck tailgate
- Storage beyond free time at terminal
- Union stand-by or special access fees
- Installation labor (I can connect you with trained installers)
- Change orders after shop approval
Compliance: NFRC and NAFS
You shouldn't have to figure out the compliance paperwork on your own. I can help put together documentation that works for your specific jurisdiction and project.
NFRC (energy performance): Documentation is available for many configurations, clearly stating U-factor, SHGC, and VT values. NFRC paperwork can be helpful for energy code discussions, though many projects move forward without it being a hard requirement.
NAFS (structural, air, water): NAFS data can strengthen your submittal if the AHJ requests it. Product test reports and performance data are available for many configurations.
Safety glazing: Where required, tempered or laminated glass per hazardous-location rules, with egress and guard considerations noted on shop drawings.
Understanding how tariffs affect your total landed cost is important when planning budget and timeline.
Your Scope vs. Mine
| Your Scope | My Scope |
|---|---|
| Share elevations and window schedule | Review design, flag VE options, select fabricator |
| Review and approve shop drawings | Produce shops and submittal pack |
| Confirm site readiness dates | Release to fabrication, monitor production |
| Prepare rough openings | Book freight, file ISF, issue insurance |
| Receive delivery and inspect crates | Handle customs, pay duties, arrange drayage |
| Install | Deliver to site with crate maps and instructions |
FAQ
Do I need a customs bond or broker? No. Under DDP, I handle customs through my licensed U.S. partners. You don't set up a bond or broker account.
How are tariffs handled? Included in your DDP quote. If policies change between quote and entry, I state clearly how adjustments work.
What happens if a crate is damaged on arrival? Document it on the receiving checklist and notify me. I lead the claim, ship replacements or parts, and coordinate field fixes.
Ready to Import?
Send your window/door schedule and elevations. I'll return a single DDP number with a clear scope and a delivery timeline you can plug directly into your project schedule.
Kai, your window guy!