DPD Charges in India — What They Mean & How to Deal With Them (Delivery, Customs, Loans & Imports)
Many people in India come across the term “DPD charges” on courier tracking pages, e-commerce order updates, customs documents, or even while checking their credit reports, and it often leads to confusion. The reason is simple: DPD does not have just one meaning. Depending on where you see it, the term can refer to delivery-related surcharges added by courier companies, “Days Past Due” in banking and credit reports, or Direct Port Delivery fees linked to import and port-handling processes. Because the same three letters appear in completely different industries, most users do not immediately know which meaning applies to their situation. In this article, we break down each definition in detail, explain why these charges appear, how they are calculated, and the exact steps you can take to verify, dispute, or remove them when needed.
Quick Summary (Simple Explanation)
If you see “DPD charges” anywhere, the meaning depends on where you saw it:
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On courier tracking / online shopping:
It usually refers to a delivery surcharge, customs duty, or a pending payment message. -
On a credit report or bank message:
DPD means Days Past Due, which shows how late your EMI or credit card payment is. -
On import or shipping documents:
DPD means Direct Port Delivery, where the port or terminal charges a fee for handling the container.
In short, DPD can mean three different things — delivery fees, loan delays, or port charges — so always check the context before taking action.
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1) DPD as Courier or Delivery Surcharge (Most Common for Shoppers)
When checking shipment updates on platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Ajio or international sites, you may see messages like:
- "DPD Charges Applied"
- "DPD – Payment Due"
- "DPD Surcharge Pending"
Here, DPD usually signals an extra delivery-related charge. It may include:
- Fuel or logistics surcharge
- COD handling fees
- Express delivery charges
- Customs duty (for international parcels)
Most courier companies publish these surcharges publicly on their rate pages.
How to Verify These Charges (Shoppers Checklist)
- Open the courier tracking page and copy the exact message.
- Check the courier’s surcharge/rates page for the same term.
- If it’s an imported item, ask the courier: Is this customs duty or a service charge?
- Ask for an itemised breakdown.
- If the seller promised “all charges included,” request a refund for the extra fee.
Copy-Paste Message for Courier Support
Hi, my tracking number is [TRACKING].
I can see “DPD charges” on the shipment.
Please share the exact breakdown (customs duty or service charge), and provide the payment link or reason for the fee.
Thank you.
2) DPD = Days Past Due (Banking, Loans & Credit Cards)
In the financial sector, DPD stands for Days Past Due. This shows how many days a loan EMI or credit card bill is overdue.
Examples:
- DPD = 0 → You are on time.
- DPD = 5 → Payment is overdue by 5 days.
- DPD = 30 → Serious late payment; this affects your credit score.
Banks report DPD to credit bureaus. Even a few days of delay can hurt your credit profile.
How to Fix DPD Issues
- Clear the overdue payment immediately.
- Save the receipt or UPI screenshot.
- Ask the lender to update your record with the bureau.
- If your payment was already made, file a dispute with proof.
Copy-Paste Message for Bank/Lender
Hello, I noticed a DPD entry for my account.
I had already paid on [DATE].
Attached is the payment proof.
Kindly correct the DPD status and re-report it to the credit bureau.
Thank you.
3) DPD = Direct Port Delivery (Imports & Logistics)
For businesses importing goods, Direct Port Delivery (DPD) is a facility where containers are delivered straight from the port to the importer, without stopping at a CFS (Container Freight Station).
DPD is faster, but still includes certain charges:
- Port handling fees
- Terminal charges
- Documentation costs
- GST on services
These may appear on invoices as “DPD Charges” or “DPD Handling.”
How to Verify DPD Charges (Importers Checklist)
- Request the itemised invoice from the shipping line or CHA.
- Ask for the Bill of Entry copy and terminal receipts.
- Compare costs with a CFS quotation.
- Confirm if any charge was duplicated or misapplied.
Copy-Paste Message for CHA/Shipping Line
Hello, please provide the itemised DPD invoice for my consignment.
Kindly include terminal handling charges, port fees, documentation and GST.
I need the breakup for verification.
Thank you.
4) Real-Life Situations Where DPD Causes Confusion
- A shopper thinks DPD is a courier brand, but it’s actually a customs duty note.
- A credit card user sees “DPD = 30” and misunderstands it as a delivery issue.
- An importer receives a “DPD Handling Fee” and assumes it’s a penalty.
This article clears all three situations — so users can respond correctly.
FAQ — DPD Charges in India
Is DPD a scam fee?
No. DPD can mean delivery surcharge, customs duty, loan overdue days, or Direct Port Delivery. Always check the context.
Who collects DPD customs charges?
Sometimes the courier collects it; sometimes you pay at delivery. Always ask for a breakdown.
How do I avoid DPD-related delivery charges?
Buy from sellers who clearly mention “no extra duties” or “prepaid customs.” Avoid COD for international parcels.
How do I fix DPD on my credit report?
Pay the overdue amount, then request an account update with proof.
Conclusion
The term “DPD charges” is confusing because it means different things depending on where you see it. Once you know the context — courier, banking, or imports — it becomes easy to fix the issue. Use the templates above, request a breakdown, and make sure you’re paying only what is correct and documented.
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