Customs Duty Calculator
How It Works
When importing goods, you need to pay customs duties and taxes on top of the product cost and shipping. This calculator estimates your total landed cost including customs duty and VAT/GST. The duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), which is the goods value plus shipping and insurance.
Duty rates vary widely by product category and destination country. Common rates range from 0% for many raw materials to 25%+ for protected industries. The Harmonized System (HS) code of your product determines the specific rate. You can find applicable rates through your country's customs authority website.
VAT or GST is typically charged on top of the CIF value plus duty. For example, the EU standard VAT is 20-25%, UK is 20%, Australia GST is 10%, and many Asian countries charge 7-15%. Some countries have de minimis thresholds below which no duty or VAT is charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the duty rate for my product?
Look up the HS (Harmonized System) code for your product and check the duty rate for your destination country. In the US, use the USITC HTS search tool. In the EU, use the TARIC database. Most countries publish their tariff schedules online.
What is CIF value?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It is the total value of the goods plus shipping and insurance costs. Most countries calculate customs duties on the CIF value rather than just the product cost (FOB value).
Are there any duty exemptions?
Many countries have de minimis thresholds (e.g., $800 in the US, varies in other countries). Free trade agreements can reduce or eliminate duties between member countries. Some goods like books or charitable donations may be exempt.
Who pays customs duties — the buyer or seller?
It depends on the shipping terms (Incoterms). Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the seller pays. Under DAP or EXW, the buyer pays. Most international consumer orders are shipped DAP, meaning the buyer pays duties upon delivery.