Question 1

What is TariffEstimator.com?

Accepted Answer

TariffEstimator.com is a free online tool that provides instant estimates for US import duties, tariffs, and freight costs. It uses current HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) data and live market freight rates to help importers budget their landed costs.

Question 2

How accurate are the estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our estimates are based on current HTS duty rates, Section 301/232 tariff schedules, and live freight market indices. However, final duties and costs are determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of entry. We recommend consulting a licensed Customs Broker for binding rulings.

Question 3

What is an HTS code?

Accepted Answer

An HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a standardized numerical classification used by US Customs to identify imported products and determine the applicable duty rate. Our tool helps you find the right HTS code by searching with plain-language product descriptions.

Question 4

What are Section 301 tariffs?

Accepted Answer

Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed on goods imported from China. These tariffs range from 7.5% to 25% on top of standard MFN duty rates, depending on the product classification.

Question 5

What are Section 232 tariffs?

Accepted Answer

Section 232 tariffs impose a 50% duty on steel and aluminum imports into the United States, applied to protect national security interests. These apply regardless of country of origin unless a specific exemption or exclusion is in place.

Question 6

What happened to the Section 122 tariff?

Accepted Answer

The Section 122 blanket 10% tariff has been replaced and is no longer applied to US imports. Import costs are now driven by standard MFN duty rates plus targeted measures such as Section 301 tariffs (including the forced-labor tariffs introduced in July 2026) and Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper. Our calculator reflects the current tariff structure.

Question 7

What is a landed cost?

Accepted Answer

Landed cost is the total price of a product once it arrives at your door — including the product price, shipping, customs duties, tariffs, and processing fees (like MPF and HMF).

Question 8

What’s the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?

Accepted Answer

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire shipping container. LCL (Less Than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shipments. FCL is typically more cost-effective for larger shipments, while LCL works well for smaller volumes.

Question 9

How are freight rates calculated?

Accepted Answer

Our freight estimates are based on live market indices — the Drewry World Container Index for ocean rates and the TAC Air Global Index for air freight — adjusted by route-specific multipliers for origin and destination.

Question 10

Is my data saved?

Accepted Answer

Estimates are stored per browser session. You can save individual calculations and organize them into named reports. You can create an account to save your work and build reports.

Question 11

How do I export a report?

Accepted Answer

On the Saved Items page, create a report, add your estimates to it, then click "Export PDF." A professional PDF will open in a new browser tab where you can print or save it.

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