How to calculate the full landed cost of importing a car from China

Landed cost is the number that matters, not the FOB figure on the quotation sheet. A car quoted at US$15,400 FOB can arrive at a different number entirely once freight, insurance, duty and clearing are added. Buyers who quote their own customers from the FOB price alone usually absorb the difference themselves.

Start with the FOB price. It covers the vehicle ex-works plus inland transport to the Chinese port and export declaration. Ask whether port handling and loading are included; on some quotations they are listed separately.

Freight depends on method. A 40HQ container typically carries two to four vehicles depending on size and whether they are stacked with racks. RoRo is charged per unit and is often cheaper for a single sedan, but sailing schedules are less flexible.

Marine insurance is a small percentage of the CIF value and should never be skipped. Damage during loading and transhipment is rare but not free.

Duty and VAT are set by the destination country, not by the exporter. Rates differ between new and used vehicles, by engine size or electric range, and by country of origin treatment. Confirm the rate with a local broker before signing.

Finally, budget for clearing: port charges, agency fees, inspection and inland delivery from the destination port. These are local costs and are rarely quoted by the supplier.

Our cost calculator gives a working estimate for each of these lines. It is an estimate, not a binding quotation — final numbers come from the sales desk once the destination port and model are fixed.