Import Duty & Tax Calculator
Estimate the duty, import VAT/GST, and total landed cost on a gift or parcel from its declared value, shipping, and the destination country’s rates.
Estimated charges & landed cost
Duty is charged on the customs value; import VAT/GST is then charged on the value plus that duty. Figures are in whatever currency you enter — rates, thresholds, and the exact taxable base vary by country and item.
How the landed cost adds up
When a gift crosses a border, the surprise is rarely the item itself — it’s the charges waiting at the other end. Those charges are built in a set order: the customs value (usually the goods plus shipping and insurance) comes first, duty is taken as a percentage of that value, and import VAT or GST is then applied to the value and the duty together. The sum of all three, on top of what you already spent, is the landed cost — the real price of getting the gift to the recipient’s door.
Knowing that figure in advance lets you decide whether to send the item, split a shipment to stay under a threshold, or simply warn the recipient what to expect so a parcel isn’t refused at delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is import duty on a gift calculated?
Customs authorities first work out a customs value — commonly the goods value plus shipping and insurance (the CIF basis). Duty is a percentage of that customs value. Import VAT or GST is then charged on the duty-inclusive figure (customs value plus duty), which is why the tax ends up applying to the duty as well. This calculator follows that order and adds everything up into a single landed cost.
What is the customs value, and why does shipping count?
The customs value is the figure duty and tax are assessed on. Most countries use the CIF method, which includes the cost of the goods plus the freight and insurance to get them there. That is why a low-value item with expensive shipping can still attract meaningful charges — the shipping is part of the value being taxed.
Where do I find the duty and VAT/GST rates to enter?
Duty rates depend on what the item is (its tariff or HS code) and where it is coming from, and import VAT/GST rates are set nationally. Look them up on the destination country's customs or tax authority website, or ask the carrier's customs broker. Because they vary so much, this tool asks you to supply the rates rather than assuming one country's law.
Are gifts always charged duty and tax?
Not always. Many countries let genuine person-to-person gifts under a certain value (a de-minimis or gift allowance) clear free of duty and tax. Above that threshold the parcel becomes chargeable. Use the gift duty-free allowance checker to see whether a gift is likely under the limit before running the full estimate here.
Will this match exactly what the courier charges?
Treat it as a planning estimate. Couriers may add a customs clearance or 'disbursement' fee, rounding and currency conversion can shift the total, and some items carry excise or handling charges this simple model doesn't include. Always confirm the final amount with the carrier or customs authority.
Educational estimate only — not customs, tax, or legal advice. Duty rates, import VAT/GST rates, thresholds, the exact taxable base, and courier fees vary by country, item, and origin. Always verify with the destination customs or tax authority or your carrier before you rely on a figure.