How the Import Cost Calculator works
An import quote is a chain of costs: the factory price, freight to the port and onward, duty as a percentage of the declared value, customs brokerage and government entry fees, insurance and final-mile handling. Missing any of them makes a product look more profitable than it is.
This calculator adds them up and spreads the total across the units so you get one number: the landed cost per unit.
Formula
- Goods value = Unit cost × Quantity
- Tariff = Goods value × Tariff %
- Total import cost = Goods + Shipping + Tariff + Customs fees + Insurance + Handling + Inspection + Prep
- Landed cost per unit = Total import cost ÷ Quantity
Example
$4.20 FOB units land at about $6.52 each once $1,200 freight, 7.5% tariff and $690 of fees are included (55% above FOB).
Frequently asked questions
How is duty calculated?
As a percentage of the customs value, usually the goods value (FOB). Some countries use CIF (goods + insurance + freight); enter the rate your broker quotes.
What are customs fees besides duty?
Broker fee, ISF filing, the merchandise processing fee and harbor maintenance fee in the US. $150–400 per entry is typical.
Sea or air?
Sea is far cheaper per unit for orders over roughly 200 kg but adds 4–6 weeks. Run both quotes through this calculator.