Looking to find an agent to import raw steel and inquiring about the customs duty. Concerned that duties may vary due to different types of steel and import regions, and hoping to prepare a cost budget in advance. The best answer states that raw steel import duties vary depending on the specific type of steel and the country of origin. Common ordinary carbon structural steel and alloy steel have different tax rates. Imports from specific treaty countries may enjoy zero tariffs. It is necessary to clarify the type and country of origin to consult the tariff schedule or a professional company for precise tax rates.
What is the import duty for freight forwarders in Nanjing and how is it calculated?
Resolved
I am in Nanjing and have hired a freight forwarder to help import a batch of goods. I'd like to know what the general import duty is. I'm importing ordinary daily necessities and haven't dealt with imports before, so I'm not very clear about how duties are calculated. The quote from the freight forwarder feels a bit vague. I'd like to understand the approximate range of import duties for freight forwarders in Nanjing under normal circumstances, and if there's a standard calculation formula. I hope someone can provide a detailed answer. Thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The amount of import duty for freight forwarders in Nanjing depends on several factors. Firstly, it's the classification of the goods. Customs will classify commodities according to the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China, and different categories of goods have different tariff rates. Secondly, it's the country of origin of the goods. If the country of origin has relevant trade agreements with China, preferential tax rates may apply.
For ordinary daily necessities, assuming they originate from a country with most-favored-nation treatment with China, the common duty rate for daily necessities may range from around 10% to 35%. The calculation formula is: Import Duty Amount = Taxable Value × Import Duty Rate. The taxable value is generally determined based on the CIF price (cost, insurance, and freight). If the CIF price cannot be determined, customs will appraise it according to regulations. For specific tax rates and calculation details, it is recommended that you consult further with professional freight forwarders like Zhongmaoda, who can accurately calculate based on the actual cargo situation.
Import duties may also involve other taxes such as value-added tax (VAT). The VAT for daily necessities is generally 13%. You'd better confirm with the freight forwarder what expenses are included in the quote, and don't just focus on the customs duty.
There might be minor differences in the execution of certain details regarding customs duties at different ports. Nanjing is generally quite standardized and follows customs regulations. You can ask the freight forwarder to provide the basis and details of the customs duty calculation.
If your goods qualify for certain duty exemption policies, such as having relevant supporting documents, the import duty can be reduced or exempted. You need to first determine if the goods meet the conditions.
Besides the duty rate, the determination of the taxable value is crucial. The calculation of freight and insurance premiums affects the taxable value, which in turn affects the amount of import duty.
You can check the customs duty rate for the corresponding goods on the official website of the customs. However, accurate classification of goods is necessary. If you have questions about classification, you can also ask the freight forwarder.
If the import volume is large, you can negotiate with the freight forwarder to see if you can secure more reasonable customs duty handling methods to reduce costs.
Remember to ask the freight forwarder to provide proof of customs duty payment, so you can clearly know the actual amount paid and prevent any shady dealings.
Sometimes there are temporary adjustments to customs duties. You should pay timely attention to policy information released by customs to avoid affecting cost calculations.