Customs cost simulator
Structure known import costs and calculate duties only when a valid tariff rate is available.
The simulator combines value, freight, insurance, origin, destination, and the supplied classification. It calculates customs value and VAT from available data without inventing a duty rate when none is known.
Estimate an import cost
Enter your amounts: the calculation follows the worked example below. Read the duty rate in TARIC for your code and origin.
- Customs value
- €1,110.00
- Customs duty (4 %)
- €44.40
- Import VAT base
- €1,154.40
- Import VAT (20 %)
- €230.88
- Total landed cost
- €1,385.28
Indicative estimate: excludes anti-dumping duties, excise and special customs-value cases.
Inputs used
- Origin and destination countries
- Goods value and known costs
- HS or TARIC code to confirm
- Incoterm and transaction context
Outputs
- Known-cost breakdown
- Indicative import VAT basis
- Duties when a valid rate is supplied
- Checks to complete before declaration
Calculation method
Amounts depend on submitted data and configured rules. The result separates completed calculations, assumptions, and missing information.
Worked example
Goods invoiced at €1,000, with €100 freight and €10 insurance to the EU border, have a customs value of €1,110. If TARIC shows a 4% duty for the confirmed code and origin, duty is €44.40. The import VAT base is then €1,154.40 (before any other costs to the first place of destination), so at 20% import VAT is €230.88. Without a confirmed duty rate, the simulator stops at the customs value and flags the missing rate.
Limitations
A simulation is not a customs assessment. Confirm classification, origin, value, and measures in TARIC or with a competent professional.
Frequently asked questions
How is the customs value of an EU import calculated?
In most cases it is the transaction value: the price paid or payable, plus transport and insurance costs up to the point where the goods enter the customs territory of the Union. Some items are added (royalties, assists supplied by the buyer) and others may be excluded under the Union Customs Code.
What is the taxable amount for import VAT?
The customs value plus the duties and taxes due on importation and incidental expenses (transport, insurance, handling) up to the first place of destination in the member state of import.
Why doesn’t the simulator always show a duty amount?
The rate depends on the 10-digit TARIC code, the origin and the applicable measures (tariff preferences, anti-dumping duties, quotas). The simulator only calculates duty with a valid rate and otherwise marks the point to verify in TARIC.
Official sources
- TARIC — integrated tariff of the European Union
- European Commission — calculation of customs duties
- Union Customs Code, Regulation (EU) No 952/2013
- VAT Directive 2006/112/EC (taxable amount on importation)
Links checked on 30 September 2026.
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