International Duty & Tax Calculator
Estimate the full landed cost of an imported shipment, including customs duty, VAT/tax, and broker fees. Use it before placing an international order to avoid surprise charges at the border.
About this calculator
When goods cross a border, the total landed cost has several layers. First, the dutiable value is the sum of the product value and shipping cost. Customs duty is then applied to that dutiable value: Duty = (product_value + shipping_cost) × duty_rate / 100. Next, tax (VAT or GST) is charged on the duty-inclusive value: Tax = (product_value + shipping_cost + Duty) × tax_rate / 100. Finally, any customs broker fee is added on top. The complete formula is: Landed Cost = product_value + shipping_cost + Duty + Tax + broker_fee. Understanding each component helps importers price goods competitively and comply with local regulations.
How to use
Suppose you import goods worth $500, pay $80 shipping, face a 12% duty rate, a 10% VAT rate, and a $25 broker fee. Dutiable value = $500 + $80 = $580. Duty = $580 × 12/100 = $69.60. VAT base = $580 + $69.60 = $649.60. VAT = $649.60 × 10/100 = $64.96. Landed Cost = $580 + $69.60 + $64.96 + $25 = $739.56. Enter each value into the corresponding field and the calculator returns the total instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the landed cost of an international shipment?
Landed cost covers every charge incurred to get a product from the supplier to your door. This includes the product price, international shipping, customs duty, import tax or VAT, and any customs broker or handling fees. Knowing the true landed cost prevents sticker shock and helps you set accurate retail prices. Many importers forget broker fees, which can add $25–$100 or more per shipment.
How is customs duty calculated on imported goods?
Customs duty is typically calculated as a percentage of the shipment's CIF value — that is, the cost of the goods plus insurance and freight. The applicable duty rate depends on the product's HS (Harmonized System) tariff code and the destination country. In this calculator, duty = (product_value + shipping_cost) × duty_rate / 100. Always verify the correct HS code for your product, as rates vary widely — from 0% to over 25%.
Why is VAT charged on top of the duty and not just on the product value?
Most countries apply VAT (or GST) to the duty-inclusive value of imported goods, not just the product price alone. This means VAT is calculated on the product value, shipping, and the duty amount combined. The logic is that duty is a cost you bear to bring the goods into the country, so it forms part of the taxable base. This cascading effect can significantly raise your total tax bill, which is why it's important to account for it separately.