Import Cost & Profit Calculator
Buying from China or another overseas supplier? Enter the price and MOQ, add shipping and import costs, and see what each unit really costs you in South Africa — and whether the deal can make money.
1. Supplier order & MOQ
MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest quantity the supplier will accept.
2. How will the goods get to South Africa?
Choose a shipping method and enter the shipment details you know. The calculator does not invent a freight rate — use an actual supplier, courier or forwarder quote for the cost field below.
Carriers use their own volumetric divisors and minimum charges. The volumetric figure above is a planning indicator only; use the carrier's quoted chargeable weight and price.
3. Customs & landing costs
Enter figures from your clearing agent or tariff research where available. Customs duty depends on the correct tariff/HS classification.
| Goods value in rand | R 43 750,00 |
| Customs duty (0%) | R 0,00 |
| Import VAT (15%) | R 7 218,75 |
| Freight + insurance | R 0,00 |
| Clearing + local + other | R 0,00 |
| TOTAL LANDED COST | R 50 968,75 |
| LANDED COST PER UNIT | R 101,94 |
4. Will the product actually make money?
Important: this is a planning estimate, not a customs assessment. Confirm the correct tariff classification, origin, customs value, duty rate, rebates and clearing charges before placing an order.
Why the cheap supplier price can be misleading
A supplier may quote an attractive unit price but require hundreds of units. That MOQ changes the cash needed before the goods even leave the supplier. Freight, customs duty, import VAT, clearing and delivery then change the true cost again. The useful number for a reseller is the landed cost per sellable unit — and the margin left after that cost.
Frequently asked questions
What does MOQ mean?
MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity. It is the smallest quantity a supplier is willing to sell in one order. A low unit price can therefore still require a large minimum cash outlay.
Does every imported product have the same customs duty?
No. The rate depends on the product's tariff classification, origin and other customs rules. Some goods are duty free while others can attract percentage, specific, compound, anti-dumping or other duties.
How does South African import VAT work?
South Africa's standard VAT rate is 15%. For goods originating outside the Southern African Customs Union, SARS generally calculates import VAT on the customs value plus a 10% uplift plus non-rebated duties. Confirm the treatment for your shipment.
Is freight included in the customs value?
Customs valuation is governed by specific valuation rules and is not simply the same as this calculator's total landed cost. Use the customs value accepted for your shipment and confirm it with your clearing agent when necessary.
Is this a SARS customs assessment?
No. It is a planning calculator for testing an import business case before you order. The actual customs assessment depends on classification, valuation, origin and the facts of the shipment.
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