This is not a price list. It rebuilds one shipment line by line — goods, freight, insurance, duty, additional measures, import tax and local charges — so you can see which line drives the total. For context, this product family carries a planning duty band of 16%–32% into the US. The sample below holds the product, condition and origin constant and compares three borders.
The worked sample
1000 new cotton apparel moving from China with $15,000 FOB value. Each line is modelled separately, so you can see where the money goes.
China → the US · new cotton apparel · 1000 units
| Cost line | Amount | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| FOB goods value | $15,000 | User provided |
| International freight (LCL) | $1,350 | Estimated |
| Cargo insurance | $74 | Estimated |
| Customs duty (20.0% × CIF) | $3,285 | Rule-based |
| Additional measures | $0 | None modelled |
| Import VAT / GST (0%) | $0 | Rule-based |
| Statutory fees | $77 | Rule-based |
| Clearance, port, inland, docs | $1,130 | Estimated |
| Estimated landed total | $20,916 | $21 / unit |
Sample generated with engine 2026.11.1 and data reviewed 2026-11-01. It is not a quote, a classification or a customs ruling.
Same goods, three borders
Duty, import tax and additional measures differ by destination even when the goods and origin do not. This is the comparison to run before choosing an entry point.
| Border | Duty band | VAT / GST | Additional measure | Sample landed | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 16%–32% | None | None modelled | $20,916 | $21 |
| UAE | 5% | 5% | None modelled | $18,414 | $18 |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | 15% | None modelled | $20,468 | $20 |
All three runs use the same goods value, quantity, packing density and sea mode. A real shipment will diverge on compliance, freight and local delivery.
What moves this number
- Knit versus woven classification
- Fibre composition
- Origin of fabric
- Labelling compliance
- Packing density and timing
Fibre, knit status, gender and garment type determine the line. Duty rates can be high and product-specific. Labelling, fibre composition and flammability rules apply in many markets. Branded goods raise IP concerns.
Industry-specific parameters to set
These are the fields that change a cotton apparel estimate. Set them in the calculator rather than applying a generic average.
| Parameter | Set it to | Why it moves the landed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Knit or woven | Construction of the garment | Knit and woven apparel sit in different HS headings with different duty bands. The same shirt style can classify differently. |
| Fibre composition | Cotton, polyester, blends, by percentage | Fibre content decides the sub-line and is subject to labelling rules. A small blend change can move the rate. |
| Fibre and fabric origin | Where the fabric was made, not just where it was sewn | Rules of origin for apparel often follow the fabric, not the cut-and-sew location. Preferential claims depend on it. |
| Labelling | Fibre content, care, country of origin, language | Missing or wrong labels can stop retail sale and trigger relabelling cost. Build the label check into production. |
| Packing density | Units per carton, carton weight and volume | Apparel is light but voluminous. Carton optimisation is the main lever on ocean freight per unit. |
| Timing and mode | Season, replenishment, air or sea | Air freight protects a launch but can double the landed cost. The freight decision is usually bigger than the duty decision. |
Parameter effects are explained qualitatively; no rate is invented for a product line the data does not support. Run the estimate with your own values before committing to a DDP price.
Common questions
What is the import cost of apparel?
The sample imports 1,000 new cotton apparel units with a 15,000 USD FOB value from China to the United States. Expected landed cost is $20,916, or $21 per unit, before labelling rework.
Do all garments get the same duty rate?
No. Knit and woven construction, fibre content and garment type all affect the HS line. A mixed shipment may need several entry lines.
How much does air freight add?
Air is priced on chargeable weight and can multiply the freight line for low-value apparel. It is worth it for launches and replenishment, rarely for bulk basics.
What labelling is required?
Most markets require fibre content, care instructions, country of origin and local-language information. Check the destination rules before printing.
What is usually excluded from a DDP quote?
Relabelling, quality claims, unsold stock disposal and returns. These can exceed the duty line on a low-value shipment.
Related cost files
Planning estimates only. Duty and tax outcomes depend on the exact HS line, origin, customs valuation, origin rules and measures in force on the date of entry. FOBtoDDP is not a customs broker, freight forwarder or legal adviser. Confirm with a licensed broker before contracting.