Enter shipment details
Formula used
CIF (customs value) is estimated as:
Duty is estimated as:
Taxable Base (for VAT/GST) is estimated as:
VAT/GST is estimated as:
Total Landed Cost is estimated as:
Note: Rules differ by country. Adjust fees and tax base to match your local practice.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your invoice product value in the base currency.
- Add shipping and insurance, or set them to zero if included.
- Set the exchange rate to convert into your display currency.
- Enter duty and VAT/GST rates from your HS code and tax rules.
- Add realistic port, brokerage, and handling fees for accuracy.
- Click calculate to see landed cost and per-unit cost instantly.
Example data table
| Scenario | Product Value | Shipping | Insurance | Duty % | VAT % | Exchange | Total Landed (Display) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small parcel | 200.00 | 35.00 | 5.00 | 10.00 | 18.00 | 280.00 | ≈ 83,608.00 |
| Heavier shipment | 600.00 | 120.00 | 10.00 | 15.00 | 18.00 | 280.00 | ≈ 273,260.80 |
| Higher tax rate | 350.00 | 60.00 | 8.00 | 5.00 | 25.00 | 280.00 | ≈ 157,886.00 |
Landed cost matters in ecommerce
Landed cost drives profit. It combines product value, freight, insurance, duty, and VAT/GST. A small mistake can erase margin. Use one consistent exchange rate per scenario. Keep inputs clean and dated.
Customs value and CIF logic
Customs value often follows CIF. CIF equals product value plus shipping and insurance. If your invoice already includes freight, set shipping to zero. Do the same for insurance. This keeps the customs base realistic.
Duty rate and HS code impact
Duty is usually a percent of CIF. A 10% duty on 100,000 adds 10,000 before tax. Verify the HS code rate. Keep a note of the source. Test two rates when classification is uncertain.
VAT/GST base and common add-ons
VAT/GST can apply on CIF plus duty. Some regimes add port fees too. This calculator uses a taxable base of CIF + duty + customs fees. If your rules differ, adjust the fee fields to match practice.
Fees that surprise new importers
Port charges, brokerage, handling, and storage add up. Track them per shipment. Even small fees change per-unit cost on low quantities. Add buffer for inspections and delays when planning ecommerce launches.
Pricing with per-unit landed cost
Use landed cost per unit to set a floor price. Add platform fees, payment charges, and returns. Compare two exchange rates for risk. Export the CSV for your catalog sheet and update it monthly.
FAQs
What is landed cost?
Landed cost is the full import cost. It includes product value, freight, insurance, duty, VAT/GST, and local fees. Use it to price items and protect margin.
Which exchange rate should I use?
Use the rate applied by your bank or customs assessment. For planning, test a conservative rate too. Exchange movement can change total cost more than duty.
How do I handle CIF when freight is included?
If the invoice already includes freight or insurance, set those fields to zero. CIF should not double-count costs. This keeps duty and VAT/GST closer to reality.
Does VAT/GST always apply on CIF plus duty?
Not always. Many countries tax CIF plus duty, and sometimes selected fees. Check your rule. You can model differences by moving items into customs fees or other fees.
Can I estimate per-unit cost for bundles?
Yes. Enter the total shipment cost and set quantity to total sellable units. For bundles, use bundle units. This gives a practical per-unit landed cost for pricing.
Why do my actual charges differ from estimates?
Customs valuation methods, surcharges, storage days, and reassessments can change totals. Use this tool for planning and comparison. Update fees after each shipment to improve accuracy.