How to Calculate Import Duty in 2026: The Complete Guide

A practical, step-by-step walkthrough of import duty, VAT and landed cost — plus a free calculator for 150+ countries.

Import duty is a tax charged by a country on goods crossing its border. The amount you pay depends on three things: the customs value of the goods, the tariff rate for the product (set by HS code and trade agreement), and any VAT or GST applied on top. This guide shows you exactly how to calculate it — and gives you a tool to do it in seconds.

1. What is import duty?

Import duty (also called customs duty or tariff) is usually charged as a percentage of the goods' customs value. A product entering at a 6% ad valorem rate with a $10,000 value incurs $600 in duty. Rates vary widely by product and destination — industrial goods often sit in the low single digits, while agricultural and sensitive goods can be much higher.

2. The import duty formula

Most countries assess duty on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value rather than the FOB (free on board) price, because CIF reflects the true delivered value. Always confirm which basis your destination customs uses.

3. Try the calculator

Plug in your numbers below. The tariff rate auto-fills from the destination country's average applied rate — edit it if you know the exact HS-code rate.

4. HS codes: why the product matters most

The Harmonized System (HS) code is a 6–10 digit number that classifies your product. It determines the tariff rate, required documents, and whether anti-dumping or quota rules apply. Two similar products can face very different duties based on their HS code, so correct classification is the single biggest lever on your duty bill.

5. MFN vs preferential rates

MFN (Most-Favoured-Nation) is the standard WTO baseline rate. Preferential rates are lower (often zero) under free-trade agreements (FTAs) for goods that meet rules of origin. If you can prove originating status, you typically apply the preferential rate instead of MFN — a major saving.

6. Country tariff references

United States tariff China tariff Germany tariff Japan tariff India tariff United Kingdom tariff Brazil tariff Mexico tariff

For every country, see the full Global Tariff Query directory.

7. Frequently asked questions

Is the calculator result final? No. It estimates using average applied rates. Your actual duty depends on the HS code, trade agreement and product specifics — verify with the official customs authority.

Do I pay VAT on top of duty? In most countries, yes: VAT/GST is charged on the CIF value plus the duty.

What if my country has no VAT? The United States, for example, has no federal VAT; leave the VAT field at 0.