Duties, VAT, Storage, Inspection, and Other Potential Charges
Potential charges beyond product price and base freight, and how to review their scope.
Total import cost may include Customs Duty, VAT, and clearance handling in addition to goods and international freight. Applicability and calculation depend on HS classification, customs value, origin, preferential treatment, and declaration assessment.
Storage, examination, terminal handling, demurrage or detention, document amendment, special handling, and inland delivery may also arise. Compare quotations by checking inclusions, exclusions, and the party responsible for each cost.
What to prepare
- Seller and buyer cost allocation under the Incoterms
- Classification and value records for duty and VAT review
- Certificate of Origin and possible preferential treatment
- Warehouse or terminal free time and overstay terms
- Party responsible for examination, scanning, or sampling charges
- Whether clearance, delivery, and document fees are included