100 Free China Import Calculators - Planning-first tools
Calculate Your Total Import Costs & Duties
from China
Duties, landed cost, freight, AQL, MOQ, profit margins - the planning numbers importers need before they place an order.
Plan the order before you place it
Start Here
The Import Calculators That Matter Most
These are the core tools every China importer needs. Duties, freight, landed cost, tariffs, and quality inspection — start with these before anything else.
Landed Cost Calculator — Total China Import Cost Per Unit
The single most important number in China importing. Enter FOB price, freight, HTS duty, Section 301 tari…
Open Calculator →US Customs Duty Calculator — Full Breakdown
Calculate your exact US customs bill: HTS base rate + Section 301 surcharge + MPF (0.3464%) + HMF (0.125%…
Open Calculator →Import Duty Calculator — China to USA
One calculator for duties worldwide. Pick your destination — US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, or India — en…
Open Calculator →India Import Duty Calculator — China to India Customs Costs
India has no FTA with China, so MFN rates apply: BCD (10–20%) + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST (5–18%). Calculat…
Open Calculator →UK Landed Cost Calculator — China to UK Total Import Cost
From Shenzhen to Southampton, calculate every cost: UKGT commodity duty, 20% Import VAT, freight, insuran…
Open Calculator →HS Code Tariff Calculator — Total Import Duty by HTS Code
Your HS code determines everything: duty rate, Section 301 exposure, compliance requirements, and quota e…
Open Calculator →Air Freight Cost Calculator from China
When sea freight is too slow, air freight delivers in 5–10 days. Calculate per-kg rates from China airpor…
Open Calculator →AQL Sampling Calculator — Quality Inspection Sample Size
AQL 2.5 is the industry standard, but how many units does your inspector actually need to check? Enter yo…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Usa
Shanghai/Ningbo/Yantian to LA/Long Beach, NY/NJ, Savannah, or Seattle. 2026 FCL and LCL benchmark rates w…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to India
Shanghai/Shenzhen to JNPT Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai, or Kolkata. 2026 LCL and FCL rates with ICD routing op…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Uk
Ningbo/Shanghai to Felixstowe, Southampton, or London Gateway. 2026 rates including post-Brexit CDS decla…
Open Calculator →Section 301 Tariff Calculator — US-China Trade War Tariffs
Section 301 adds 7.5–25% on top of standard HTS rates for most China-origin goods. Enter your List classi…
Open Calculator →Us China Tariff Rates 2026
The definitive 2026 reference for China tariff policy: Section 301 lists, de minimis changes, AD/CVD orde…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Per KG Calculator
Sea freight averages $0.05–0.15/kg for FCL vs $0.30–0.80/kg for LCL — but air freight costs $3–8/kg. Calc…
Open Calculator →All Calculator Categories
Every Number You Need to Import from China
Organized by topic — from duties and freight to AQL quality control and Amazon FBA profit.
Import Duties & Taxes
Calculate 2026 US customs duties, Section 301 tariffs, UK Import VAT (CDS Compatible), Australian GST, and India IGST. Free and updated daily.
Priority 1 - Duty & tariff planning
Browse →
Freight & Shipping
Calculate sea freight LCL/FCL, air freight, dimensional weight, and CBM costs from China to USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and India. 2026 benchmark rates.
Priority 2 - Freight quote planning
Browse →
Product Costing
Calculate landed cost, profit margin, break-even, MOQ cost, and total import cost for China-sourced products. Know your numbers before you place an order.
Priority 3 - Landed cost & margin checks
Browse →
Manufacturing & Quality
AQL sampling, defect rate cost, production lead time, factory capacity, tooling, and quality inspection ROI calculators for China manufacturing.
Priority 4 - QA, defects & lead times
Browse →
Payment & Finance
Wire transfer fees, letter of credit costs, currency exchange impact, early payment discount, working capital, and trade finance calculators for importers.
Priority 5 - Cash flow & payment terms
Browse →
Amazon & eCommerce
Amazon FBA import profit, Alibaba-to-Amazon total cost, private label ROI, product launch budget, and eCommerce margin calculators for China sellers.
Priority 6 - FBA & marketplace margins
Browse →
Compliance & Regulations
Estimate CE marking, FCC certification, FDA compliance, CPSC, Prop 65, REACH/RoHS, and UL certification costs for products imported from China.
Priority 7 - Compliance before shipment
Browse →
Sourcing & Negotiation
Supplier price comparison, factory audit cost, trade show ROI, sourcing agent fee, sample order cost, and Alibaba order cost calculators for importers.
Priority 8 - Supplier comparison & MOQ
Browse →
Equipment Import Guides
Landed cost calculators and import guides for 100 HVAC, plumbing, cleaning, pump, and facility-maintenance equipment categories sourced from China.
Priority 9 - Product-specific margins
Browse →
Understanding Import Costs
Why FOB Price Is Only Half the Story
Every importer learns this the hard way: a product quoted at $8 FOB from Shenzhen doesn't cost $8 to land in your warehouse. By the time you add freight, insurance, customs duty, tariffs, broker fees, and local delivery — that $8 product often costs $12–14 per unit.
Our calculators break down every cost component so you know your true landed cost per unit before you commit to an order — not after your shipment arrives.
- Freight (sea/air) adds 5–20% to product cost
- Section 301 tariffs add 7.5–25% for China goods
- Standard HTS duties add 0–37% depending on product
- MPF, HMF, broker, and local delivery add $400–800 per shipment
- Insurance is typically 0.35–0.5% of CIF value
Typical Cost Breakdown: $10,000 FOB Order
Total Landed Cost
$15,010
50.1% above FOB price — that's the real cost to land in your warehouse.
All Tools — Free, No Sign-Up
All Import Calculators
Browse by import workflow — from duty checks and freight quotes to compliance, sourcing, and margin planning.
Us China Tariff Rates 2026
The definitive 2026 reference for China tariff policy: Section 301 lists, de minimis chang…
Open Calculator →Import Duty Calculator — China to USA
One calculator for duties worldwide. Pick your destination — US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia…
Open Calculator →Section 301 Tariff Calculator — US-China Trade War Tariffs
Section 301 adds 7.5–25% on top of standard HTS rates for most China-origin goods. Enter y…
Open Calculator →US Customs Duty Calculator — Full Breakdown
Calculate your exact US customs bill: HTS base rate + Section 301 surcharge + MPF (0.3464%…
Open Calculator →Anti-Dumping Duty Calculator — ADD & CVD from China
Anti-dumping duties can be 20–250%+ and they blindside importers who skip this check. Ente…
Open Calculator →UK Import VAT Calculator — China to UK Customs Costs
Post-Brexit, the UK charges Import VAT at 20% on (CIF + UKGT duty). VAT-registered importe…
Open Calculator →Eu Customs Duty Calculator China
The EU applies its Common Customs Tariff on CIF value. Add member-state VAT (17–27%) and c…
Open Calculator →UK Landed Cost Calculator — China to UK Total Import Cost
From Shenzhen to Southampton, calculate every cost: UKGT commodity duty, 20% Import VAT, f…
Open Calculator →Australia Import Duty Calculator
Australia charges 10% GST on (FOB + freight + insurance + duty). ChAFTA may reduce your du…
Open Calculator →Australia Landed Cost Calculator — China to Australia Import Cost
From Guangzhou to Fremantle, calculate the complete cost: ChAFTA-preferential duty, 10% GS…
Open Calculator →Canada Import Duty Calculator — China to Canada
Canadian customs tariff applies to transaction value. With a CAD $20 de minimis threshold …
Open Calculator →Canada Gst Import Calculator
Federal GST (5%) applies nationwide. In ON, NS, NB, NL, and PEI, HST (13–15%) replaces it.…
Open Calculator →De Minimis Threshold Calculator — Duty-Free Limit by Country
The $800 Section 321 threshold still exists in US law, but special rules now apply to Chin…
Open Calculator →India Import Duty Calculator — China to India Customs Costs
India has no FTA with China, so MFN rates apply: BCD (10–20%) + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST (5…
Open Calculator →India IGST Import Calculator — China to India Tax & Duty Cost
IGST is recoverable as input tax credit for GST-registered importers — but only if filed c…
Open Calculator →Merchandise Processing Fee Calculator
MPF is 0.3464% of CIF (min $32.71, max $634.62). HMF is 0.125% with no cap on waterborne i…
Open Calculator →Customs Bond Calculator — Continuous vs Single Entry
CBP requires a customs bond before any US import. Single-entry bonds cover one shipment; c…
Open Calculator →Duty Drawback Calculator — Recover Import Duties Paid
If you re-export, destroy, or manufacture with imported goods, you may recover up to 99% o…
Open Calculator →First Sale Valuation Calculator — Reduce Dutiable Value
Buying through a trading company? First Sale lets you declare the factory price — not the …
Open Calculator →Countervailing Duty Calculator
Countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies and can add 5–50%+ to your lande…
Open Calculator →HS Code Tariff Calculator — Total Import Duty by HTS Code
Your HS code determines everything: duty rate, Section 301 exposure, compliance requiremen…
Open Calculator →CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter Calculator for Sea Freight
Cubic meters determine your LCL rate and whether you should upgrade to FCL. Enter carton d…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Usa
Shanghai/Ningbo/Yantian to LA/Long Beach, NY/NJ, Savannah, or Seattle. 2026 FCL and LCL be…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator — China to USA/UK/Australia
Compare LCL vs FCL sea freight from any China port. Enter CBM, weight, and route to get 20…
Open Calculator →Air Freight Cost Calculator from China
When sea freight is too slow, air freight delivers in 5–10 days. Calculate per-kg rates fr…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Uk
Ningbo/Shanghai to Felixstowe, Southampton, or London Gateway. 2026 rates including post-B…
Open Calculator →LCL Freight Calculator — Less than Container Load Cost
LCL rates are quoted per CBM with a minimum of 1 CBM. Enter your cargo volume and weight t…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Australia
Ningbo/Shanghai to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Fremantle. 2026 benchmark rates includi…
Open Calculator →Dimensional Weight Calculator — Air Freight DIM Weight
Courier and air freight charge on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weigh…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Canada
Shanghai/Ningbo to Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto ICD. 2026 rates including CBSA processi…
Open Calculator →Container Capacity Calculator — 20ft & 40ft Carton Fitting
A 20ft container holds 25–28 CBM, a 40ft holds 55–60 CBM, and a 40HQ holds 68 CBM. Enter y…
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to India
Shanghai/Shenzhen to JNPT Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai, or Kolkata. 2026 LCL and FCL rates with…
Open Calculator →Cargo Insurance Calculator — Marine Freight Insurance Cost
Marine cargo insurance costs 0.3–0.5% of CIF value — roughly $150 on a $30,000 shipment. C…
Open Calculator →Incoterms Cost Calculator — EXW vs FOB vs CIF vs DDP
EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP — each Incoterm shifts risk and cost differently between buyer and sell…
Open Calculator →Courier vs Sea Freight Calculator from China
DHL Express, FedEx, and UPS from China cost $5–12/kg for parcels under 30 kg. Compare cour…
Open Calculator →Sea vs Air Freight Calculator — True Cost Comparison
Sea saves 60–80% on freight but ties up cash for 30–45 extra days. Calculate the true cost…
Open Calculator →China Europe Rail Freight Calculator
China-Europe rail via the Trans-Siberian or Central Asia corridor takes 18–22 days — twice…
Open Calculator →Shipping Lead Time Calculator China
Total lead time = production + inland transit + port handling + ocean transit + customs + …
Open Calculator →Demurrage Calculator
Free days expire fast — demurrage is $75–250/day for containers, detention is $50–150/day …
Open Calculator →Sea Freight Cost Per KG Calculator
Sea freight averages $0.05–0.15/kg for FCL vs $0.30–0.80/kg for LCL — but air freight cost…
Open Calculator →Freight Forwarder Quote Calculator
Freight forwarder quotes include 15–25 line items. Break down the all-in quote into base f…
Open Calculator →Landed Cost Calculator — Total China Import Cost Per Unit
The single most important number in China importing. Enter FOB price, freight, HTS duty, S…
Open Calculator →Import Profit Margin Calculator — China Sourcing ROI
Gross margin on paper is meaningless without landed cost. Calculate true profit margin aft…
Open Calculator →Amazon FBA Import Calculator from China
Amazon FBA eats 30–45% of your selling price in referral fees, fulfillment, storage, and a…
Open Calculator →Wholesale Import Price Calculator — China to Reseller
Setting wholesale price too low kills your margin; too high kills velocity. Calculate the …
Open Calculator →MOQ Calculator — Minimum Order Quantity Cost from China
MOQ determines your initial cash outlay. Calculate the total landed cost of hitting a supp…
Open Calculator →Price Per Unit Calculator Import
The true cost per unit includes freight allocation, duty, MPF, broker fees, inspection cos…
Open Calculator →Break Even Import Calculator
How many units do you need to sell to cover your landed cost, overhead, and platform fees?…
Open Calculator →Sample Order Cost Calculator China
Samples from China cost $50–500+ including DHL/FedEx express shipping ($5–12/kg). Budget t…
Open Calculator →Product Markup Calculator Import
Keystone markup (2×) on landed cost is the traditional rule. But Amazon sellers need 3–4× …
Open Calculator →Reseller Margin Calculator — China Import to Retail
Margin erodes at every distribution level: importer → distributor → retailer. Map the marg…
Open Calculator →Currency Exchange Impact Calculator Import
A 5% move in CNY/USD on a $50,000 order is $2,500 gone. Model the impact of exchange rate …
Open Calculator →CNY to USD Import Price Calculator
Your supplier quotes in RMB but you pay in USD. Convert the factory price accurately, add …
Open Calculator →Import vs Domestic Manufacturing Calculator
China FOB is cheaper — but by how much after shipping, duty, and lead time? Compare total …
Open Calculator →Inventory Carrying Cost Calculator for Importers
Inventory sitting in your warehouse costs 20–30% of its value per year in storage, insuran…
Open Calculator →Reorder Point Calculator for China Imports
Reorder too late and you stock out for 6–8 weeks. Too early and you tie up cash in excess …
Open Calculator →Economic Order Quantity Calculator
EOQ balances ordering cost against holding cost to minimize total inventory expense. Enter…
Open Calculator →Annual Import Budget Calculator
Planning your fiscal year import spend? Estimate the total annual budget across product co…
Open Calculator →Shopify Product Cost Calculator Import
Shopify charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction plus your plan fee. Add China landed cost, sh…
Open Calculator →eBay Import Profit Calculator from China
eBay charges 12.35% final value fee plus payment processing. Calculate profit on China-sou…
Open Calculator →Profit Margin Calculator Importer
Gross margin, operating margin, and net margin tell three different stories. Calculate all…
Open Calculator →AQL Sampling Calculator — Quality Inspection Sample Size
AQL 2.5 is the industry standard, but how many units does your inspector actually need to …
Open Calculator →Defect Rate Cost Calculator — Quality Failure Impact
A 3% defect rate sounds small — until you calculate the cost of returns, replacements, neg…
Open Calculator →Quality Inspection Cost Calculator — China Factory Audit
A full-day pre-shipment inspection costs $250–450. Calculate inspection cost as a percenta…
Open Calculator →Production Lead Time Calculator China
Factory-quoted lead times are optimistic by 30–50%. Add material procurement, production q…
Open Calculator →Factory Capacity Calculator — China Manufacturing Output
Does your supplier have the capacity to handle your order without subcontracting? Calculat…
Open Calculator →OEM vs ODM Cost Calculator — China Manufacturing Options
OEM means your design in their factory — more upfront cost but full IP control. ODM means …
Open Calculator →Tooling Mold Cost Calculator China
Injection molds cost $3,000–50,000 and last 50,000–500,000 cycles. Calculate the per-unit …
Open Calculator →Product Testing Cost Calculator China
CPSC, ASTM, EN71, RoHS, REACH, Prop 65, UL, FCC — testing costs $500–30,000+ depending on …
Open Calculator →Product Certification Cost Calculator
CE, FCC, UL, CPSC, FDA — each certification costs $2,000–50,000. Estimate the total compli…
Open Calculator →Packaging Cost Calculator China
Inner packaging, master carton, poly bag, barcode label, insert card, and custom-printed b…
Open Calculator →Product Labeling Compliance Cost
Country of origin, material content, care labels, UPC/EAN barcodes, and regulatory marks —…
Open Calculator →Rejection Rate Impact Calculator — Cost of Failed Inspections
A rejected container means re-inspection, rework, delayed launch, and potential air-freigh…
Open Calculator →Factory Audit Cost China
A factory audit costs $300–800/day covering facility, quality system, social compliance, a…
Open Calculator →MOQ Optimization Calculator — Find Your Ideal Order Size
Ordering exactly at MOQ maximizes per-unit cost. Ordering 2× MOQ can drop FOB 10–20% but t…
Open Calculator →Sample to Production Timeline China
From first sample request to containers on the water: 12–20 weeks is realistic. Map the co…
Open Calculator →International Wire Transfer Fee Calculator for Chinese Suppliers
International wire transfers to China cost $25–50 in bank fees plus 1–3% in hidden FX mark…
Open Calculator →Letter of Credit Cost Calculator
An L/C costs 1–3% of order value in bank fees plus document preparation. Calculate whether…
Open Calculator →Trade Finance Cost Calculator for Importers
Supply chain finance, invoice factoring, and purchase order financing cost 8–24% APR. Calc…
Open Calculator →Payment Terms Impact Calculator — 30/60/90 Days Effect
Shifting from 30/70 to 50/50 payment terms changes your cash flow timeline by weeks. Model…
Open Calculator →Currency Hedging Cost Calculator Import
A forward contract locks your CNY/USD rate for 3–12 months. The premium is 0.5–2% — calcul…
Open Calculator →Alibaba Trade Assurance Calculator — True Cost Analysis
Trade Assurance covers product quality and delivery disputes at no cost to the buyer. Calc…
Open Calculator →Paypal Vs Wire Transfer China Supplier
PayPal charges 4.4% + fixed fee for cross-border supplier payments. Wire transfers cost $2…
Open Calculator →Early Payment Discount Calculator — Is Early Pay Worth It?
A 2% discount for paying 20 days early (2/10 net 30) equals ~36% APR. If your credit line …
Open Calculator →Working Capital Calculator Import Business
From 30% deposit to final payment to inventory arrival to first sale — your cash is locked…
Open Calculator →Import Credit Line Calculator
Your import credit line needs to cover 2–3 shipments in transit simultaneously. Calculate …
Open Calculator →Alibaba to Amazon Profit Calculator — FBA Landed Cost & Margin
Alibaba FOB → ocean freight → US customs → Amazon FBA → customer doorstep. Calculate end-t…
Open Calculator →Private Label ROI Calculator — China Sourcing
Private label from China requires $5,000–20,000 upfront for tooling, samples, compliance, …
Open Calculator →Amazon Seller Profit Calculator with China Landed Cost
Revenue minus COGS minus FBA fees minus PPC minus returns minus storage = your actual Amaz…
Open Calculator →Amazon FBA Fee Calculator 2026 — Updated Fee Schedule
FBA fees depend on product size tier, weight, and category. Calculate referral fee (8–15%)…
Open Calculator →Amazon Ppc Break Even Calculator
If your ACoS exceeds your gross margin, every PPC sale loses money. Calculate your break-e…
Open Calculator →Dropshipping from China Cost Calculator — True Cost & Margin
China dropshipping adds $2–5 per order in ePacket/YunExpress costs plus 15–25 day delivery…
Open Calculator →Amazon Product Launch Budget Calculator — China Private Label
Amazon product launch = inventory + PPC budget + photography + A+ content + first 90 days …
Open Calculator →Amazon Brand Registry ROI Calculator for Importers
Amazon Brand Registry costs $350–500 for a trademark plus 8–12 months of waiting. Calculat…
Open Calculator →Wholesale to Retail Markup Calculator for Importers
Wholesale-to-retail markup varies by channel: 2× for brick-and-mortar, 2.5–3× for Amazon, …
Open Calculator →eCommerce Import Profitability Calculator
Whether you sell on Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy — the math is the same. Calculate import…
Open Calculator →CPSC Compliance Cost Calculator for China Imports
Children products need CPSIA testing ($2,000–$8,000), a CPC certificate, and tracking labe…
Open Calculator →Fda Import Cost Calculator China
FDA-regulated imports require prior notice, facility registration, and product-specific co…
Open Calculator →Reach Rohs Compliance Cost Calculator
REACH covers 224 substances of very high concern; RoHS restricts 10 hazardous substances i…
Open Calculator →Country of Origin Calculator Import
Rules of origin determine duty rates, FTA eligibility, and marking requirements. If your p…
Open Calculator →Import Bond Size Calculator — Required Bond Amount
Your continuous bond must equal 10% of total duties, taxes, and fees paid in the prior 12 …
Open Calculator →Ce Marking Cost Calculator China
CE marking is mandatory for EU sale. Self-declaration costs $2,000–5,000; Notified Body in…
Open Calculator →FCC Certification Cost Calculator for Electronics
FCC Part 15 testing for unintentional radiators costs $2,000–5,000. Intentional radiators …
Open Calculator →UL Certification Cost Calculator for China Products
UL listing for electrical products costs $10,000–50,000+ including initial testing, factor…
Open Calculator →Prop 65 Compliance Cost Calculator
California Prop 65 applies to nearly every consumer product. Testing costs $500–3,000 per …
Open Calculator →Astm Compliance Cost Calculator China
ASTM F963 testing covers mechanical hazards, flammability, chemical content, and small par…
Open Calculator →Supplier Price Comparison Calculator China
Never compare suppliers on FOB alone. Enter quotes from 3–5 Chinese suppliers with their f…
Open Calculator →Canton Fair Trade Show Roi Calculator
Canton Fair, Global Sources, or Hong Kong Electronics Fair — booth visits, travel, and acc…
Open Calculator →Sourcing Agent Fee Calculator China
Sourcing agents charge 5–10% of order value or $200–500/day. Calculate whether the agent s…
Open Calculator →Alibaba Order Cost Calculator — Full Cost Estimate
Your Alibaba order cost is not just the line item total. Add Trade Assurance fee, freight,…
Open Calculator →Total Sourcing Cost Calculator China
Total sourcing cost = product + agent fee + samples + inspection + travel + freight + duty…
Open Calculator →Import Process
The 5 Stages of Importing from China
Every successful import follows these stages. Our calculators support you at each step.
01
Sourcing
Find Your Product & Supplier
Source on Alibaba, Global Sources, or Canton Fair. Request samples. Audit factories. Compare MOQs and unit pricing across 3–5 suppliers before committing.
↓
02
Costing
Calculate Your Landed Cost
Before ordering, know your true cost: FOB + freight + insurance + duties + fees = landed cost. This is your profit floor. Never order without this number.
↓
03
Production
Order & Quality Inspection
Place your purchase order with defined AQL standards. Schedule a pre-shipment inspection — catching defects in China costs a fraction of fixing them after arrival.
↓
04
Logistics
Freight & Customs Clearance
Book sea or air freight, arrange cargo insurance, file ISF 24h before loading. Clear customs with the right HS code and duty classification. Know your costs before goods ship.
↓
05
Growth
Sell & Reorder Profitably
Measure actual profit vs projected. Track your inventory. Plan reorders using lead time data so you never stock out or overstock. Scale what works, cut what doesn't.
Local Route Planning
Explore Import Guides by Hub & City
After the national duty estimate, model your local route. We provide detailed guides for 600+ ports, states, and industrial cities across the USA and India.
🇮🇳
India Import Guides
States, ICDs & Industrial Hubs
Model China-to-India transit times, ICD availability, and local industry demand across 300+ Indian cities and all major importing states.
🇺🇸
USA Import Guides
States, Ports & Logistics Cities
Route planning for 300+ USA cities. Port selection, West Coast vs East Coast transit, and state-level customs considerations for China cargo.
Freight from China
Compare Shipping Options from China
The right shipping method depends on your product weight, urgency, and margin. Here's how they compare.
Sea Freight (LCL)
Less than Container Load — ideal for 1–15 CBM shipments. Freight is charged per cubic meter. Most cost-effective for mid-size orders that don't fill a container.
25–40 day transit
LCL Cost Calculator →
Sea Freight (FCL)
Full Container Load — 20ft or 40ft container. Best value for large orders over 15 CBM. You pay a flat rate regardless of volume within the container.
20–35 day transit
Container Calculator →
Air Freight
Fastest option — 3–7 days door to door. Charged by chargeable weight (actual vs dimensional, whichever is greater). 4–8× more expensive than sea freight per kg.
3–7 day transit
Air Freight Calculator →
China Import Trade by the Numbers
China remains the world's largest exporter. Understanding the scale helps you navigate the opportunity and the risks.
$427B
US imports from China in 2024 — despite tariffs, still the #1 source country
25%
Section 301 tariff rate on most industrial goods from China imported to the US
21 days
Average transit time, Shanghai to Los Angeles by sea freight
$800
US de minimis threshold — shipments under this value enter duty-free
Import Education
Understanding Landed Cost: The Complete Guide
The single most important concept for any importer. Here's what it is, why it matters, and how to calculate it correctly.
What Is Landed Cost?
Landed cost is the total cost of importing a product from China into your warehouse — including every expense from the factory door to your receiving dock. It's the true cost of each unit you import, and the floor for any pricing decision.
Landed cost differs from FOB (Free on Board) price by including:
- ✓ Ocean or air freight — typically 5–20% of FOB value
- ✓ Cargo insurance — 0.35–0.5% of CIF value
- ✓ US import duties — 0–37.5% based on HTS code
- ✓ Section 301 tariffs — 7.5% or 25% on China goods
- ✓ MPF & HMF fees — US customs processing fees
- ✓ Customs broker fee — $150–350 per shipment
- ✓ Local delivery/drayage — port to your warehouse
Why Landed Cost Calculation Matters
A product with a $6 FOB price might have a landed cost of $9.50 per unit. If you price your product at $18 expecting a 67% gross margin, your real margin is only 47% — before Amazon fees, returns, or advertising.
Getting landed cost right is the difference between:
- ✓ Knowing your minimum viable selling price before you order
- ✓ Comparing multiple suppliers on true cost, not just FOB price
- ✓ Accurately projecting cash flow for your import budget
- ✓ Negotiating freight rates with data, not guesswork
- ✓ Setting prices on Amazon, Shopify, and wholesale that are actually profitable
Lead Time Planning
Typical China Import Timeline
Plan reorders around every stage — missing one deadline cascades through the entire shipment.
01
Days 1–14
14 days
Sample & Approval
Order samples from 2–3 suppliers. Test quality, fit, and compliance. Approve final sample before committing to production.
💡 Always get a physical sample — photos miss defects
→
02
Days 15–50
~35 days
Production
Factory manufactures your order. 15–20 days for simple goods; 30–45 days for complex or large orders. Book freight now.
💡 Confirm production start in writing with your supplier
→
03
Days 48–52
4 days
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Third-party AQL inspection before goods leave the factory. 1 day on-site, $250–350. Catch defects before they ship.
💡 Non-negotiable — $300 saves thousands in returns
→
04
Days 52–75
~23 days
Ocean Transit
Sea freight: 14–35 days port to port. Air freight: 3–7 days. File ISF 24 hours before loading. LCL adds 7–10 days for consolidation.
💡 Book 4–6 weeks early during peak season (Jul–Oct)
→
05
Days 75–82
7 days
Customs & Delivery
US customs clearance: 1–5 days. Local drayage to warehouse: 1–3 days. Have your entry documents ready before the vessel arrives.
💡 Use a licensed customs broker for first imports
Why Import Cost Calc
Built for Importers, Not General Audiences
Every calculator, formula, and example on Import Cost Calc is specific to the China importing context.
Published Reference Basis
Where a page depends on published schedules or fee tables, we describe the reference basis and separate planning benchmarks from live quotes and filing advice.
Dated Review Notes
High-volatility topics change. Each page carries its own last-updated date so you can judge whether the assumptions are fresh enough for your use case.
China-Specific, Always
Our examples use real China-to-US shipping routes, real Shenzhen supplier scenarios, and real tariff situations importers face — not generic math that doesn't apply to your situation.
No Account, No Data Collection
All calculations happen in your browser. We don't store your import figures, product details, or supplier information. Completely private, completely free, forever.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing from China
The total cost depends on your product, quantity, shipping method, and import duties. As a general rule, expect to pay 20–50% above your FOB (factory) price by the time goods reach your warehouse. A $10,000 FOB order typically incurs $1,000–2,000 in freight, $500–3,000 in duties and tariffs, and $400–800 in fees, for a landed cost of $12,000–16,000. Use our Landed Cost Calculator to get your specific estimate.
US import duty is calculated on your CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value. The formula is: Duty = CIF Value × HTS Duty Rate. Find your HTS duty rate at hts.usitc.gov. You also pay MPF (0.3464% of CIF, min $32.71) and HMF (0.125%). If your product is on Section 301 China tariff lists, add 7.5% or 25% on FOB value. Use our Import Duty Calculator for a complete breakdown.
Sea freight is almost always cheaper than air for shipments over 100 kg. LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight costs $50–100 per CBM, while air freight costs $5–10 per chargeable kg — making air typically 4–8× more expensive. However, air freight's faster transit time (7 days vs 25–35 days) reduces inventory carrying costs, which can partially offset the premium for fast-moving, high-value goods. Use our Sea vs Air Calculator to compare total costs including inventory savings.
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed by the US on Chinese goods since 2018–2019. Most Chinese goods pay 7.5% (List 4A) or 25% (Lists 1, 2, 3) in additional tariffs on top of standard HTS duty rates. They apply to goods with China country of origin. To check if your product is on a Section 301 list, look up your 10-digit HTS code at the USTR Section 301 database. Our Section 301 Calculator calculates your combined total duty.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is the maximum acceptable percentage of defective products in a batch. It's the international standard (ISO 2859-1) for determining how many units to inspect and how many defects trigger rejection. For China imports, AQL 2.5 is standard for consumer goods — meaning you inspect a statistically valid sample and accept the batch if defects are 2.5% or fewer. Use our AQL Calculator to determine your exact sample size based on order quantity and inspection level.
CBM stands for Cubic Meter — the standard unit of volume measurement for sea freight. It's calculated as: CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). For centimeter measurements: divide L × W × H by 1,000,000. LCL sea freight is priced per CBM (typically $50–100/CBM for China-to-USA). A 20ft container holds 25–28 CBM; a 40ft container holds 55–65 CBM. Use our CBM Calculator to get your total volume and LCL freight estimate.
For formal entries (shipments with commercial value over $2,500), you're not legally required to use a customs broker — but it's highly recommended. A licensed customs broker correctly classifies your goods (preventing costly reclassifications), files your entry accurately, coordinates with the freight forwarder, and handles any CBP queries. Broker fees are typically $150–350 per shipment. For your first several imports, a broker's knowledge far outweighs the cost.
Finding a reliable Chinese supplier requires due diligence beyond Alibaba's star ratings. Key steps: (1) Verify the supplier is a manufacturer, not just a trading company — request factory photos and business license. (2) Order samples from 3–5 suppliers and compare quality. (3) Request a factory audit from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek. (4) Check trade references and ask for existing customer contacts. (5) Start with a small trial order before committing to full MOQ. Alibaba Gold Supplier status and Trade Assurance are baseline filters, not quality guarantees.
The most common payment term with Chinese suppliers is 30% deposit before production, 70% before shipment (T/T 30/70). For new supplier relationships, expect 50% deposit. As trust builds over multiple orders, you may negotiate better terms like 30/70, net 30 after B/L, or letters of credit. Always use secure payment methods: bank wire (T/T), Alibaba Trade Assurance, or L/C. Avoid Western Union, MoneyGram, and cryptocurrency for large orders — these offer no recourse if goods don't arrive as described.
Import Duties & Tariffs: What Importers Must Know
Every product imported into the United States from China is subject to customs duties based on its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code — a 10-digit number that classifies every traded product. Standard rates range from 0% for semiconductors and scientific equipment to 37.5% for certain footwear and apparel.
Since 2018, Section 301 tariffs have added an additional layer: most Chinese goods now carry an extra 7.5% (List 4A) or 25% (Lists 1–3) on top of the standard HTS rate, making effective tariff rates for many categories exceed 30%. Understanding both layers is critical to accurate cost forecasting.
The US also charges a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3464% of CIF value (minimum $32.71, maximum $634.62 per entry) and a Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) of 0.125% for sea shipments. A licensed customs broker typically costs $150–350 per shipment but is essential for formal entries over $2,500.
How Amazon Sellers Use China Import Calculators
For Amazon FBA sellers sourcing from China, profit margin calculation is a multi-step process that begins well before the product page goes live. The sequence that determines success or failure:
- ✓ Research the target selling price and Amazon referral fee (8–20%) for the category
- ✓ Calculate FBA fulfillment fees based on product dimensions and weight
- ✓ Work backward to determine the maximum allowable landed cost per unit
- ✓ Get FOB quotes from suppliers and calculate total landed cost
- ✓ Verify the margin works before placing the order — not after
Amazon sellers who use our FBA Import Calculator and Alibaba-to-Amazon Profit Calculator catch margin problems before they become loss-making inventory.