Landed Cost ≠ Just Duties
Many importers equate "landed cost" with "customs duties." That's only part of the picture.
True landed cost = product value + all duties + CBP fees + ocean freight + insurance.
Miss any of these, and your profit projection is wrong before the goods even arrive.
Where Does the Money Go on a $10,000 Import?
Let's walk through importing wooden bedroom furniture (HTS 9403.50) from China:
1. Product Value (FOB): $10,000 This is the price you negotiated with your supplier.
2. Base Duty (MFN): $0 This heading is classified as Free under MFN. Don't celebrate yet.
3. Section 301: $2,500 25% additional duty on Chinese-origin goods. No way around this one.
4. AD/CVD: $0 to $19,800 If an anti-dumping order applies, the rate can reach 198%. This is the biggest wildcard. Enter the HTS code and select the country on CVDar to check.
5. CBP Fees
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.3464% of the entered value, minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35. On this shipment: $34.64.
- HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee): 0.125% of the entered value, applies to ocean shipments only. On this shipment: $12.50.
6. Ocean Freight: ~$2,800 China to US West Coast, 40ft container, 2026 average rates. This fluctuates significantly — during the pandemic it spiked to $15,000+, but has since normalized.
7. Insurance: ~$35 Approximately 0.3% × 110% of CIF value.
Grand Total: $15,382 (without AD/CVD) or $35,182 (with AD/CVD)
Same $10,000 shipment, $20,000 difference. That's why checking AD/CVD before you import is not optional.
FOB vs CIF — Know the Difference
FOB (Free on Board): The product price doesn't include shipping. You calculate freight separately, and MPF/HMF are based on the entered value (which includes the freight cost).
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The product price already includes freight and insurance. You don't add freight again.
CVDar's calculator has an FOB/CIF toggle — the fee breakdown adjusts automatically based on your selection.
How to Use the CVDar Calculator
- Find your HTS code (search or AI classification)
- Open the HTS detail page and locate the landed cost panel
- Select country, enter goods value, choose FOB or CIF
- All fees are calculated instantly, with PDF export available
No more checking three websites and reaching for a calculator.