Comprehensive information about import/export duties, VAT, and customs tariffs worldwide
Different types of taxes and duties applied to international shipments
Taxes levied on goods entering a country. Rates vary by product classification (HS Code) and country of origin.
Taxes on goods leaving a country. Less common but applied to certain commodities, especially in developing nations.
Value-added taxes or Goods and Services Tax applied to imported goods in most countries.
Specific or ad valorem duties based on HS code classification and trade agreements.
Detailed duty rates and customs procedures for major trading nations
| Product Category | HS Code Range | Duty Rate | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics (Smartphones) | 8517.12 | 0% | 13% |
| Textiles (Cotton T-shirts) | 6109.10 | 8-14% | 13% |
| Machinery (Industrial pumps) | 8413.70 | 5-8% | 13% |
| Vehicles (Passenger cars) | 8703.23 | 15% | 13% |
| Furniture (Wooden) | 9403.60 | 0-6% | 13% |
| Food Products (Wine) | 2204.21 | 14-20% | 13% + consumption tax |
The Harmonized System (HS) is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is used by customs authorities worldwide to identify products when assessing duties and taxes.
Try searching for: electronics, clothing, machinery, furniture, food
Reduce or eliminate duties with preferential trade agreements
USA, Mexico, Canada
Duty-free for qualifying goods27 European countries
No internal tariffs15 Asia-Pacific nations
Reduced tariffs on 90% of goods11 Pacific Rim countries
Comprehensive liberalization10 Southeast Asian nations
Intra-ASEAN preferential ratesDeveloped countries
Preferential rates for developing nationsTo claim preferential rates, you must provide a Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements.
Calculate estimated duties and taxes for your international shipment
Customs duty is a tariff levied on imports (and occasionally exports) that is calculated based on the product classification (HS code), value, and origin. Taxes such as VAT, GST, or sales tax are consumption taxes applied to imported goods, often calculated on the total landed cost (value + duty + shipping + insurance).
Customs duties are typically calculated as:
The customs value usually includes the product price, shipping, and insurance (CIF value in many countries).
De minimis is the threshold below which no duties or taxes are charged. Common thresholds:
Legal ways to minimize duties:
FOB (Free On Board): Buyer pays shipping and insurance. Customs value = product price.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Seller pays shipping and insurance. Customs value = product price + shipping + insurance.
Most countries calculate duties on CIF value, so FOB shipments may have lower dutiable value.
In most countries, VAT/GST is payable on imports, usually at the same rate as domestic supplies. Some countries allow VAT deferment (pay later) or reverse charge mechanisms for registered businesses. The VAT is typically calculated on the total landed cost (value + duty + shipping + insurance).
Our trade experts can help you navigate complex duty calculations and regulations