Mr Kcal insight
How to Calculate Landed Cost When Importing from China
Landed cost estimates the total cost to receive goods, not only the supplier unit price.
Core formula
Start with product cost, then add packaging, samples, domestic freight, export fees, international freight, insurance, duty, customs fees, local delivery, and a risk buffer.
Supplier quote data
Ask suppliers for unit price, MOQ, Incoterm, carton dimensions, gross weight, lead time, packaging cost, and sample cost.
Freight and duty assumptions
A freight quote may exclude destination charges. Import duty depends on product classification, country, and declared value.
Common mistake
Many first-time importers compare only unit price and forget inspection, shipping, duty, storage, and local delivery.
Related tools and guides
Disclaimer
This guide is for general planning only. Confirm commercial, customs, tax, legal, and logistics decisions with qualified professionals or the relevant service provider.
Landed cost guide
Estimate the real cost after freight and import charges.
Landed cost combines product cost with the expenses required to bring goods to the destination. A simple estimate may include product value, packaging, domestic freight, export fees, international freight, insurance, duty, customs fees, local delivery, and a buffer.
Cost inputs
Start with unit price, quantity, sample or tooling cost, packaging, inspection, domestic freight, and export document costs.
Arrival inputs
Add freight, insurance, duty rate, customs fees, broker fees, port charges, warehouse fees, and final delivery.
Decision use
Use landed cost to compare suppliers, understand MOQ impact, set a selling price, and decide whether a quote is still workable.
Before you use the result
- Do not treat supplier unit price as total cost.
- Do not ignore duty, local charges, storage, or exchange-rate movement.
- Do not use one quote as final without checking Incoterms and shipment method.