HS code drives the duty rate
Product classification is usually the first duty question. A similar product name can still fall under a different code depending on material, function, and construction.
Duty Calculator
Import Duty Calculator for India Sourcing
Estimate duty exposure and landed-cost assumptions before approving supplier quotes, freight plans, or purchase orders from India.
Landed Cost Tool
Estimate duty before approving a supplier quote
Use this calculator to organize product value, freight, insurance, duty, tax, and other import-cost assumptions. Final duty treatment depends on the destination country, correct HS code, customs rules, and broker confirmation.
Planning formulas
CIF Value = Product Value + Freight + Insurance
Estimated Duty = Duty Basis x Duty Rate
Estimated Tax = (CIF Value + Duty + Other Costs) x Tax Rate
Estimated Landed Cost = CIF Value + Duty + Tax + Other Costs
Duty Basis
CIF Value
US$11,300.00
Estimated Duty
US$904.00
Estimated Tax
US$0.00
Estimated Landed Cost
US$12,654.00
This is a planning estimate only. Customs brokers, destination-market authorities, and import advisors must confirm final classification, duty treatment, taxes, and documentation.
Buyer Guidance
What changes your import duty estimate
A landed-cost estimate is only useful when the inputs are disciplined. Buyers should connect supplier pricing, freight terms, customs classification, import taxes, and destination-market handling costs before approving an order.
Destination country decides treatment
Duty rates, taxes, documents, exemptions, restrictions, and enforcement rules depend on the importing country, not only the Indian supplier.
Invoice value must match documents
Commercial invoice value, packing list, freight documents, and payment records should be consistent to reduce customs questions.
Freight and insurance can change duty basis
Some duty calculations use CIF value, so freight and insurance assumptions can directly affect landed cost.
HS Code Check
Confirm classification before relying on a duty rate
HS code classification affects duty, taxes, restrictions, required documents, and customs review. A supplier can suggest a code, but buyers should verify classification with their broker or import advisor before placing commercial reliance on it.
Read HS Codes ExplainedProduct details matter
Material composition, intended use, technical specifications, kits, accessories, and packaging can influence classification.
Wrong codes can delay clearance
Incorrect classification can lead to duty adjustments, customs queries, penalties, inspections, or shipment delays.
Broker confirmation is important
A customs broker or import advisor can confirm the likely classification and destination-market treatment.
Documentation should support the code
Specification sheets, material declarations, catalogues, and invoices should support the selected classification.
Cost Components
Landed-cost items buyers should include
Factory price is only one part of import planning. Use the table below to avoid missing cost categories before comparing Indian suppliers.
| Component | What To Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product value | Supplier invoice value and Incoterms | This is the base commercial value for most landed-cost planning. |
| Freight | Ocean, air, courier, or inland freight cost | Freight can affect CIF value and final delivered cost. |
| Insurance | Cargo insurance amount and coverage basis | Insurance may be included in CIF value and protects shipment exposure. |
| Duty | Duty rate tied to HS code and origin | Duty can materially change the buying decision. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | Destination-market import tax rules | Import taxes can affect cash flow and landed-cost comparisons. |
| Customs brokerage | Broker fees and clearance service charges | Brokerage costs should be included before approving final pricing. |
| Port / terminal charges | Destination handling, storage, and release costs | These can increase quickly when documents or pickup timing are delayed. |
| Inland delivery | Final delivery from port, airport, or warehouse | Delivered cost is incomplete without destination-side transport. |
| Inspection or documentation costs | QC, certificates, test reports, and extra paperwork | Regulated or quality-sensitive products may need additional checks. |
Mistakes To Avoid
Duty-planning mistakes that distort landed cost
A low factory quote can become misleading when duty, tax, freight, documents, and local charges are not included.
Using only factory price
FOB or ex-works pricing does not show the full imported cost.
Applying the wrong HS code
Incorrect classification can change duty rate, documents, and customs treatment.
Ignoring destination taxes
VAT, GST, sales tax, or other import taxes can affect cash flow and pricing.
Forgetting freight and insurance
These costs may be part of the duty basis and always affect landed cost.
Relying only on supplier claims
Supplier guidance should be checked against broker advice and destination-market rules.
Missing regulated-goods checks
Some products need licenses, certificates, test reports, labeling, or restricted-goods review.
Buyer Questions
Common questions about import duty and landed cost
What is import duty?
Import duty is a customs charge applied when goods enter a destination country. The rate usually depends on product classification, origin, customs value, and local import rules.
How is import duty calculated?
Import duty is commonly calculated by multiplying a duty basis by a duty rate. The basis may be product value or CIF value depending on the destination country and product rules.
What is CIF value?
CIF value means cost, insurance, and freight. It combines product value, freight cost, and insurance cost for duty and landed-cost planning.
Is duty calculated on product value or CIF value?
It depends on the destination market, customs rules, product classification, and valuation method. Buyers should confirm the basis with a customs broker or import advisor.
Who confirms the correct HS code?
A customs broker, import advisor, or relevant customs authority should confirm the correct HS code. Supplier suggestions can help, but should not be the only source.
Is this calculator a customs ruling?
No. This calculator is for planning only. It does not replace customs rulings, broker advice, legal advice, or official destination-market guidance.
What should I check before importing from India?
Check supplier identity, HS code, duty rate, taxes, Incoterms, freight mode, packing details, product compliance, documents, inspection plan, and final delivery cost.
Related Planning
Connect duty planning to sourcing decisions
Duty estimates should sit beside supplier verification, Incoterms, freight volume, shipment mode, and documentation planning before an India sourcing order is approved.
HS Codes Explained
Understand product classification and duty planning.
FOB vs CIF vs DDP
Compare shipping responsibilities before approving supplier quotes.
Shipping Estimator
Prepare freight assumptions for landed-cost planning.
CBM Calculator
Estimate packed shipment volume before freight quotes.
Vendor Identification
Shortlist suppliers with clearer capability and export-readiness checks.
Consolidation & Logistics
Coordinate freight, dispatch, documents, and multi-supplier shipments.
Check Landed Cost
Need help checking landed-cost assumptions before sourcing from India?
Share your product category, supplier quote, Incoterms, destination market, expected shipment size, and known HS code. MCR Associates can help organize the sourcing and shipment questions before you proceed.