Trade & Tariff Tools — Import Cost, Duty & Landed Cost Calculators

Q: What's the difference between FOB and CIF?

FOB (Free On Board): seller pays costs until goods are loaded onto the vessel. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port. Customs duties are calculated on CIF value, not FOB — a common and costly mistake.

Q: How do I find my product's HS code?

Search the Harmonized Tariff Schedule at hts.usitc.gov (US). The first 6 digits are globally standardized; remaining digits vary by country. When in doubt, hire a customs broker — classification errors are expensive.

International trade is complex — tariffs, customs duties, freight costs, and currency fluctuations can swing your profit margins by 20% or more. Our trade tools help importers, e-commerce sellers, supply chain managers, and customs brokers calculate true landed costs, compare FOB vs. CIF pricing, assess tariff impacts, and hedge currency risk. With 2026's dynamic trade environment (Section 301 tariffs at elevated levels, shifting supply chains, and volatile ocean freight rates), accurate cost calculation is not optional — it's the difference between profit and loss on every shipment.

Key Concepts

🚢 Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW): Incoterms define who pays for what in international shipping. FOB means seller loads onto ship; CIF includes freight and insurance. Understanding Incoterms prevents costly misunderstandings.
📋 HS Codes & Tariff Classification: Every product has a Harmonized System (HS) code that determines its duty rate. Correct classification is critical — wrong codes can mean underpaying (penalties) or overpaying (wasted money).
💵 Customs Valuation: Duties are calculated on CIF value (cost + insurance + freight), not FOB. This is the most common customs mistake — undervaluing goods by using the wrong base.
📊 Tariff Engineering: Strategic product design, sourcing shifts, and Free Trade Agreement utilization can legally reduce duty exposure by 50% or more.
⚖️ BMI (Body Mass Index): A quick weight-to-height screening tool. BMI <18.5 underweight, 18.5-24.9 normal, 25-29.9 overweight, 30+ obese. Does NOT account for muscle mass — athletes may have high BMI but low body fat.
🔬 Body Fat Percentage: A more meaningful metric than BMI. US Navy method uses circumference measurements. Healthy ranges: men 10-20%, women 18-28%. Essential fat: men 2-5%, women 10-13%.
🔥 TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure): Your total daily calorie burn. Eat below TDEE to lose weight, at TDEE to maintain, above to gain. Calculated as BMR × activity factor. The foundation of all weight management.
💪 Macronutrients: Protein (4 cal/g), carbs (4 cal/g), fat (9 cal/g). Optimal split depends on goals: higher protein for cutting, higher carbs for endurance, balanced for maintenance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Get Supplier Quote — Suppliers typically quote FOB (their local port). Use FOB/CIF Converter to add estimated freight and insurance for the CIF value.
Calculate Duties — Use Import Duty Calculator — enter CIF value, find your product's duty rate (check hts.usitc.gov for US), and compute customs duty.
Add All Costs — Use Landed Cost Calculator — add freight, insurance, duty, VAT/GST, brokerage, port fees, and inland transportation for the true total.
Model Scenarios — Use Tariff Impact Calculator to model 'what if' scenarios — rate changes, supplier switches, or FTA utilization.
Hedge Currency Risk — Use Currency Hedge Calculator if paying in foreign currency. A 5% FX move can wipe out your margin. Forward contracts lock in rates.
Assess Baseline — Use BMI, Body Fat, and Ideal Weight calculators to understand where you are. Take circumference measurements with a flexible tape measure.

Expert Tips

Always get actual freight quotes. A 40ft container Asia→US West Coast costs $1,800-$3,000 in 2026; Asia→Europe is $2,000-$4,000. Rates fluctuate weekly.
Marine insurance costs 0.1-0.3% of cargo value — incredibly cheap protection against total loss. Never ship uninsured.
Section 301 tariffs on many Chinese goods remain at 19-25% in 2026 ON TOP of normal duty rates. Factor these into your landed cost or you'll underprice by 20%+.
Free Trade Agreements (USMCA, KORUS, etc.) can eliminate duties entirely. Check if your product qualifies before assuming the standard rate applies.
What's the difference between FOB and CIF?
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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between FOB and CIF?

FOB (Free On Board): seller pays costs until goods are loaded onto the vessel. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port. Customs duties are calculated on CIF value, not FOB — a common and costly mistake.

How do I find my product's HS code?

Search the Harmonized Tariff Schedule at hts.usitc.gov (US). The first 6 digits are globally standardized; remaining digits vary by country. When in doubt, hire a customs broker — classification errors are expensive.

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