Import Duties from China

The short answer

There is no single “import duty from China” rate. Import cost may depend on the destination country, HS or tariff classification, customs value, country of origin, product category, trade remedies, VAT or GST, brokerage, and destination charges. Rules and rates can change, so use current official tariff and customs sources or a qualified customs professional for the actual shipment.

Duty, tax, and fees are different

• Customs duty: a tariff assessed under the destination's classification and customs rules.
• Import VAT, GST, or another import tax: a separate tax treatment that depends on the destination and transaction.
• Customs brokerage: a service fee for declaration or clearance support.
• Port, terminal, handling, storage, delivery, or inspection fees: logistics costs that are not the duty itself.
• Trade remedies or additional measures: possible additional duties or restrictions that require current, product-specific review.

HS code and tariff classification

The HS or tariff classification is a core input to an import estimate. A supplier's suggested code can be a useful information input, but the importer must confirm that the classification fits the actual product, material, function, and destination declaration. Similar-looking products can classify differently, and an incorrect classification can change duty, documentation, or compliance requirements.

Customs value is not always the invoice total

Customs value may differ from a simple factory invoice amount depending on the jurisdiction's valuation rules and which costs or additions must be considered. Incoterm, assists, tooling, commissions, freight, insurance, related-party pricing, and other facts may matter. Do not apply a single global formula; ask the destination customs authority, broker, or qualified professional which valuation rule applies.

A destination-aware estimate workflow

1. Identify the exact product, materials, use, quantity, and destination.
2. Find a likely HS classification and document why it fits.
3. Confirm country of origin and any processing that affects origin analysis.
4. Check the current official tariff database for the destination.
5. Check additional measures, exemptions, de minimis rules, or product restrictions where applicable.
6. Confirm customs-value treatment under local rules.
7. Estimate import tax, brokerage, handling, and delivery separately.
8. Add the result to the landed-cost model with date and source notes.

Who pays under EXW, FOB, and DDP?

The commercial responsibility depends on the contract, Incoterm, and importer role. Under EXW or FOB, the buyer commonly manages more destination import steps; under DDP, the seller framework may include more delivery and import responsibility, but the buyer must still confirm who is importer of record, which duties and taxes are included, and what documents will be supplied. Read FOB vs EXW vs DDP rather than assuming the label answers every customs question.

Import-duty checklist

• ☐Destination country identified
• ☐Product description is specific
• ☐HS classification reviewed
• ☐Country of origin confirmed
• ☐Current official tariff source checked
• ☐Additional trade measures checked
• ☐Customs-value assumptions documented
• ☐Import VAT/GST treatment checked
• ☐Brokerage and destination charges listed
• ☐Importer-of-record responsibility confirmed
• ☐Estimate dated and assigned for re-check

Common mistakes

• Using a supplier's HS code without checking it.
• Assuming every product from China has the same rate.
• Confusing VAT or GST with customs duty.
• Ignoring anti-dumping or other additional measures.
• Assuming DDP removes importer compliance questions.
• Using an old tariff screenshot or an unsourced online calculator.
• Comparing product price without landed cost.

Use official sources for the final shipment

The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, and other destinations use different customs systems and rules. This guide intentionally does not hard-code current duty rates. Before the shipment, check the applicable official tariff and customs resources or ask a qualified customs professional to review the classification, value, origin, and measures for the actual product.

FactoryRoster is an informational supplier directory, not a customs, tax, or legal adviser. Rates, exemptions, and rules can change, and a supplier or forwarder quote is not a substitute for destination compliance review.

Connect the result to landed cost

Once the duty and tax assumptions are documented, add them separately to Landed Cost Explained. Keep the source date, classification, value basis, and unresolved questions with the estimate. If one assumption could materially change the result, show a range and decide what must be confirmed before payment or shipment release.

Use this with FactoryRoster

FactoryRoster is a research directory, not a transaction intermediary. Use supplier profiles to compare public business details and verification checks, then confirm current product, commercial, compliance, and payment details directly with the supplier.

Next steps

• Search verified China suppliers by industry and supplier type.
• Review the verification checks and evidence notes on the profile.
• Use the Verification page to understand what each check does and does not prove.