Estimate international shipping cost by weight and destination zone.
International shipping has two halves, and the second one surprises people. Freight scales with weight and a zone multiplier, since intercontinental and remote destinations cost substantially more per kilogram than a neighbouring country. Duty and import tax are then assessed on the value of the goods plus the freight — a CIF-style basis used by most customs authorities — so the shipping cost is itself taxed. Adding brokerage gives the landed cost, which is the only figure that tells you what the delivery really costs.
Freight
Freight = weight x base rate per kg x zone multiplier
Landed cost
Total = freight + (declared value + freight) x duty rate + brokerage fee
Duty and tax estimates are indicative only. Actual charges depend on the tariff classification of the goods, their country of origin, trade agreements in force, de minimis thresholds and the carrier's own brokerage and handling fees, all of which change. Confirm the applicable rate with the destination customs authority or a licensed customs broker before relying on this figure for pricing or for a commercial shipment.
Because most customs regimes value imports on a CIF basis — cost, insurance and freight — rather than on the goods alone. It means an expensive courier service raises the duty bill as well as the freight bill.
No. Misdeclaring value is customs fraud, and carriers increasingly transmit commercial invoice data electronically. Penalties and seizure far exceed the duty saved.
A value below which a destination waives duty or tax entirely. They vary widely and several have been reduced or removed in recent years, so check the current figure for the destination rather than relying on an old one.