Import Duty & Tax Estimator

Import Duty & Tax Estimator
Calculator

Import Duty & Tax Estimator

Enter your shipment's commercial value and duty rate to calculate an indicative import duty liability. For an accurate duty assessment, consult our licensed customs brokers.

 Calculation Results

This is an indicative estimate only. Actual duties depend on correct HS code classification, applicable trade agreements, and CBP/destination customs assessment. Always verify with a licensed customs broker.

How It Works

Understanding the Calculation

What is CIF Value?

Customs value for duty calculation is typically the CIF value — cargo value plus freight plus insurance to the destination port. This means your import duty is calculated on the total landed cost at the port, not just the cargo purchase price.

USA Import Charges

US imports attract: regular CBP duty (based on HTS code), Section 301 tariffs (for China-origin goods, varying by product), Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF: 0.3464% of CIF, min $29.66), and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF: 0.125% of CIF for ocean imports).

African VAT

Most African countries charge VAT on imports in addition to customs duty. South Africa and Namibia (SACU) charge 15% VAT on (CIF + duty). Togo charges TVA (TVA) at 18%. These amounts are paid at customs clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About This Calculator

In the USA, duty rates are found in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSA) at usitc.gov. You need the 10-digit HTS code for your product. For African countries, we can look up the applicable tariff rate as part of our freight quotation service.

Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed by the US on Chinese-origin goods in response to the trade dispute initiated under the Trump administration. Rates vary from 7.5% to 25% depending on the product. They are applied on top of regular CBP duties.

Routing through a third country to avoid Section 301 tariffs (tariff evasion) is illegal and constitutes customs fraud. CBP uses country of origin rules (substantial transformation and/or rule of origin analysis) to determine the correct origin regardless of shipping route.

In most countries, VAT paid on imports is recoverable as input tax credit for VAT-registered businesses. Consult your tax advisor in the destination country to confirm your VAT recovery position.
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