Estimate the true cost of importing a product once duty and import VAT/sales tax are added on top of product and shipping cost.
Landed cost = product cost + shipping + duty + any import VAT/sales tax. Duty is calculated on the dutiable value (product cost + shipping in most customs regimes), and import VAT (where applicable) is calculated on top of the dutiable value plus duty already added.
Duty rates are set per product category using an HS (Harmonized System) code and vary enormously — from 0% to over 30% — depending on the exact product and the country you're importing into. There's no universal rate, so this calculator requires you to enter the rate for your specific product and destination country.
Importing $1,000 of product with $150 shipping at a 5% duty rate and 20% import VAT: dutiable value $1,150, duty $57.50, VAT base $1,207.50, VAT $241.50. Total landed cost: $1,449 — nearly 26% more than the product and shipping alone.
Where do I find my product's duty rate? Look up your product's HS code through your destination country's customs authority (e.g. the U.S. International Trade Commission's HTS lookup, or the UK Trade Tariff tool) — a customs broker can also confirm the exact rate.
Does every country charge import VAT? No — the US generally doesn't charge VAT on imports (though it may charge duty and, in some cases, other fees), while the UK, EU, and many other countries do charge import VAT in addition to duty. Set this field to 0 if it doesn't apply to your situation.
Does this include customs broker or handling fees? No — this covers duty and import VAT/tax only. Brokerage fees, disbursement fees, and carrier handling charges are separate and vary by carrier and shipment value.