How to Calculate Landed Cost of Imported Goods
Answer: To calculate landed cost of imported goods, add product cost, international freight, insurance, origin charges, duty, tariffs, import tax, brokerage, destination charges, inland delivery, and other import costs, then divide by units.
Use this page for the imported-goods formula checklist. Use the canonical calculator for the broader interactive workflow and related import-cost variants.
To calculate landed cost of imported goods, add product cost, international freight, insurance, origin charges, customs duty, tariffs, import tax, brokerage, destination charges, inland delivery, and other import costs, then divide by sellable units.
How the calculation works
Use this page as a formula companion for the exact imported-goods query. For the canonical calculator workflow, use Landed Cost Calculator. For the broader formula variant, compare How to Calculate Landed Cost.
The planning formula is:
landed cost = product cost + international freight + insurance + origin charges + customs duty + additional tariffs + import tax + brokerage + destination charges + inland delivery + other import costs
Then calculate per-unit inventory cost:
landed cost per unit = landed cost total / sellable units
Keep marketplace costs separate. Amazon referral fees, FBA fulfillment, storage, advertising, returns, payment fees, and financing are margin costs after landed cost, not import landed cost.
FAQ
What is the formula for landed cost of imported goods?
Landed cost of imported goods equals product cost plus international freight, insurance, origin charges, customs duty, additional tariffs, import tax, brokerage, destination charges, inland delivery, and other import costs.
Is this the canonical landed cost calculator?
No. This exact-match page explains the formula for imported goods. The canonical calculator is Landed Cost Calculator.
How is this different from how to calculate landed cost?
This page targets imported-goods wording and uses import-specific line items. How to Calculate Landed Cost is the broader formula companion.
Should freight be included in landed cost?
Yes. International freight, origin handling, destination charges, and inland delivery should be included when estimating the true cost to receive imported inventory.
Should duty be calculated before or after freight?
The customs-value base depends on the importing country, Incoterm, and valuation rules. For planning, model the duty base clearly, then confirm the exact base with a customs broker.
Do I include tariffs and import tax?
Yes. Customs duty, additional tariffs, VAT, GST, import tax, MPF, HMF, and brokerage should be included when they apply to the shipment.
Should Amazon FBA fees be included in imported goods landed cost?
No. FBA fulfillment, storage, placement, referral, advertising, and return costs are channel costs after landed cost. Track them separately for margin analysis.
Why calculate landed cost per unit?
Per-unit landed cost is the number sellers compare against selling price, marketplace fees, ad cost, target margin, and reorder decisions.
Comparison
| Page | Best for | Canonical guidance |
|---|---|---|
| This imported-goods formula page | Exact query: how to calculate landed cost of imported goods | Use as a how-to companion, not the main calculator canonical |
| Landed Cost Calculator | Interactive calculator intent and broader landed-cost searches | Canonical page for landed cost calculator variants |
| How to Calculate Landed Cost | Broader formula and checklist searches | Related formula companion |
| U.S. Customs Duty Calculator | Duty, tariff, MPF, HMF, and customs-entry estimates | Use when the import-charge line items need duty detail |
Dated facts
As of April 2026, this site’s planning benchmark for Shanghai to Los Angeles ocean freight is about $2,800 for a 40HQ container, with a rough range of $2,400-$3,400 depending on carrier, sailing, equipment, and seasonal space.
As of April 2026, this site’s planning benchmark for Shanghai to Los Angeles LCL is about $70 per CBM, before destination charges, customs, brokerage, final delivery, and cargo-specific accessorials.
As of May 13, 2026, this page is an exact-match formula companion. Calculator-intent links should point to /tools/landed-cost-calculator/, while related formula links can point to /tools/how-to-calculate-landed-cost/.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the formula for landed cost of imported goods?
- Landed cost equals product cost plus freight, insurance, origin charges, customs duty, additional tariffs, import tax, brokerage, destination charges, inland delivery, and other import costs.
- Is this the canonical landed cost calculator?
- No. This is the formula and how-to companion for the exact query. The canonical calculator is /tools/landed-cost-calculator/.
- How is this different from how to calculate landed cost?
- This page uses imported-goods wording and an import-specific checklist. The related /tools/how-to-calculate-landed-cost/ page covers the broader formula variant.
- Should customs duty be included in landed cost?
- Yes. Customs duty, additional tariffs, import tax, brokerage, and entry-related charges are part of landed cost when estimating the true inventory cost.
- Should Amazon fees be included?
- No. Amazon referral, FBA fulfillment, storage, placement, advertising, returns, and removal fees are channel costs after landed cost.
- Should freight be included in customs value?
- Customs valuation depends on the importing country and Incoterm. Use this as a planning model and confirm the exact duty base with a licensed customs broker.
- Why divide landed cost by units?
- Per-unit landed cost shows the real inventory cost used for pricing, margin, reorder decisions, and quote comparison.