Define where the cost estimate ends
A supplier price is one part of an import budget. Decide whether you are estimating delivery to a port, warehouse or another named location. Record the currency, quantity, specification and quote dates so the total can be reviewed later.
Separate four cost layers
- Product and order: goods value, samples, tooling, added packaging and inspection.
- Origin: pickup, consolidation, export documents and handling, according to the quote.
- International transport: freight, insurance and quoted surcharges.
- Destination: confirmed duties and taxes, broker charges, handling, storage and final delivery.
Avoid counting a charge twice when a supplier or forwarder already included it. Keep missing charges visible rather than presenting the result as complete.
A fully stated simplified example
Demonstration only: 1000 units at USD 1; freight USD 100; insurance USD 10. The user selects a duty basis of USD 1110 and supplies a 5% duty rate. The estimated duty is USD 55.50. Add USD 20 of other entered charges: the subtotal is USD 1185.50, or USD 1.1855 per unit, before any unentered costs.
This example does not establish the correct customs valuation or tax rate for a destination. Import VAT/GST, excise and trade remedies are not automatically covered by a single duty percentage.
Make assumptions editable
Use the product-only, product-plus-freight-and-insurance, or custom basis only when it matches your confirmed scenario. Keep the source and date of the rate with the estimate. Add a contingency as a separate line; it is a planning reserve, not another tax.
Reconcile after the shipment
Compare the supplier invoice, forwarder invoice, broker statement and delivery charges with the original budget. Allocate shared charges consistently if you import multiple SKUs, and keep recoverable taxes separate when appropriate to your accounting treatment.
Calculate an itemized estimate · Build the pre-export budget · Read the wider budget and allocation workflow