How are customs duties calculated?

Customs duties are typically calculated as a percentage of the customs value (CIF value — Cost + Insurance + Freight). The duty rate depends on the HS code classification of the goods, the country of origin, and the destination country. Some countries also apply additional taxes like VAT or GST on top of the duty amount.

What is the de minimis threshold?

The de minimis threshold is the value below which goods can be imported duty-free. For the USA it's $800, UK is £135, EU is €150 (as of 2021), India is ₹1,000, and Australia is AUD 1,000. Shipments valued below these thresholds are typically exempt from customs duty (but may still be subject to VAT/GST).

CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It is the total value used as the basis for customs duty calculation. CIF = Product cost + Insurance premium + Freight charges to destination port. Some countries use FOB (Free On Board) instead, which excludes insurance and freight.

Free Customs Duty Calculator — Estimate Import Duties & Taxes by Country

Customs Duty Calculator

Estimate customs duties, VAT/GST, and total landed cost for your imports. Supports major trading nations with realistic duty rates.

Shipment Details

Origin Country

Destination Country

Currency

CIF Value ($)

Freight ($)

Insurance ($)

HS Code Chapter

Understanding Customs Duties

Customs duties are taxes levied by a government on goods imported from another country. They serve to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and regulate trade. The duty amount depends on several factors:

HS Code classification: The Harmonized System code determines the applicable duty rate
Country of origin: Trade agreements (FTA) can reduce or eliminate duties
Customs value: Usually CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) or FOB
Destination country: Each country sets its own tariff schedule

Common Import Taxes

Customs Duty: Based on HS code — ranges from 0% to 60%+ depending on product
VAT / GST: Value-added tax applied on top of (CIF + duty). Rates: US (none federal), UK 20%, EU 19-27%, India 18%, Australia 10%
Excise Duty: Additional tax on specific goods (alcohol, tobacco, fuel, luxury items)
Anti-dumping Duty: Extra duty on goods sold below fair market value
Countervailing Duty: Offset subsidies given by foreign governments

Customs Duty Calculator

Shipment Details

Understanding Customs Duties

Common Import Taxes

All Shipping Tools