GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Import duties
Import duties are charges levied by the state on goods entering a customs territory, and freight forwarders and importers encounter them at every border crossing.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/import-duty.asp
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Definition & Explanation
Import duties are charges levied by the state on goods entering a customs territory, and freight forwarders and importers encounter them at every border crossing. The term covers customs tariffs, import VAT, excise duties, and any trade-policy levies that may apply. The amount due depends on the customs value of the goods and their classification under the Harmonised System (HS code). Free trade agreements and preferential arrangements can reduce or eliminate the tariff component, provided origin is properly evidenced. Within the EU, the Combined Nomenclature (CN) serves as the classification framework; incorrect classification can result in post-clearance duty recovery and financial penalties. Unlike export duties—rare in most jurisdictions—import duties are the most widely applied tool in customs law worldwide.
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