Frequently Asked Questions

The Flexport Tariff Simulator makes calculating U.S. import duties simple and accurate. Enter your 10-digit HTS code, select the country of origin, and adjust parameters like entry date or steel/aluminum content when prompted. Click "Calculate" to get instant results showing current MFN duties plus any Section 301, Section 232, or safeguard surcharges with total percentages and dollar amounts. Use the Flexport Tariff Simulator now to calculate your import duties and fees instantly.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator supports customs import duty calculation into the United States from most countries worldwide, including China, Vietnam, Mexico, Germany, Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, and over 190+ other nations. Column 2 countries are not supported, including Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and Democratic People's Republic of Korea due to trade restrictions. Start calculating your import duties today with our comprehensive country coverage.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator implements tariff changes as soon as possible after publication in the Federal Register. The calculator displays the last updated date for all data and includes the most current Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, Section 301 China tariffs, and IEEPA sanctions. Updates typically occur within 24-48 hours of official announcements. Any changes are displayed in the changelog.

Accurate U.S. import duty calculations require the complete 10-digit HTS code since duties vary at the most specific classification level. The Flexport Tariff Simulator includes a powerful search function that helps you find the correct HTS code using product descriptions in plain English, making it easier to locate your specific commodity classification.

Use the Flexport Tariff Simulator's country comparison feature by first calculating duties for your initial country of origin, then switching to different countries in the origin dropdown menu and recalculating. This allows you to compare total duty costs between suppliers in China, Vietnam, Mexico, or any other supported country to optimize your sourcing strategy.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator is a completely free import duty calculator that provides accurate US customs duty calculations without any registration, subscription fees, or usage limits. This free import duty calculator handles complex scenarios including Section 232 tariffs, Section 301 China tariffs, preferential trade agreements, and anti-dumping duties for comprehensive import cost planning. Try our free import duty calculator now to get started with your import cost analysis.

The Flexport free import duty calculator stands out by offering real-time tariff rates updated within 24-48 hours of official changes, support for all 10-digit HTS codes, automatic application of preferential trade programs, and detailed breakdowns of all applicable fees including MFN duties, Section 232/301 surcharges, and special program rates. Unlike basic free calculators, it provides enterprise-grade accuracy for professional import planning. Experience the best free import duty calculator for your business needs today.

The simulator automatically applies preferential trade agreements when eligible. For qualifying commodities and origins, it displays "Preferential Rate: 0%" and shows the corresponding Special Program Indicator (SPI), such as "S" for USMCA, "P" for DR-CAFTA, or "K" for KORUS FTA, ensuring you receive the lowest applicable duty rate. Calculate your duties now to see if you qualify for lower duty rates and save on import costs.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator uses only official U.S. government sources: base rates from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), additional tariffs from USTR Federal Register notices, Section 232 rates from Commerce Department announcements, and preferential program tables directly from CBP guidance. All data comes from verified government publications, not social media or news reports.

Import duty rates are updated within 24-48 hours after official publication in the Federal Register or CBP announcements. The Flexport Tariff Simulator shows the last updated date for each HTS code, ensuring you're working with the most current information. Historical rates and effective dates are maintained back to January 1st, 2025 for compliance tracking. Get the most up-to-date tariff rates and calculate your import duties today.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator identifies when HTS codes may be subject to anti-dumping (AD) or countervailing (CVD) duties and displays appropriate flags. However, final AD/CVD applicability depends on the specific product scope defined in Commerce Department orders, not just the HTS classification. The tool alerts you to potential AD/CVD exposure so you can verify with the specific order language.

The Flexport free import duty calculator provides the same accuracy as expensive paid alternatives while remaining completely free. This free import duty calculator offers enterprise-level features including real-time tariff updates, comprehensive Section 232/301 coverage, preferential trade agreement calculations, and detailed fee breakdowns.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator covers most import scenarios but has some current limitations that are being addressed in future updates:

1. Watches, clocks, and GRI 1 sets/ensembles are not yet supported.
2. These rates does not include any informal fees, IRS taxes, or any other miscellaneous fees collected at import. HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee) and MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) are calculated and displayed in the results if they are applicable. HMF and MPF are not included in the duty rate calculations but displayed as a one time fee.
3. GSP is currently expired, and the SPI field does not support GSP claims (neither removing duty nor MPF).
4. Not all Chapter 98 or 99 programs are supported at this time.
5. FTZ toggles and data elements regarding privileged dates are also not included currently.

Section 232 tariffs are national security-based trade measures authorized under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. When the Department of Commerce determines that imports threaten to impair national security, the President can impose additional tariffs. These tariffs are calculated as a percentage of the imported product's value and are added to regular customs duties.

Section 232 tariffs apply to steel and aluminum products plus their derivative items including wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers, railroad cars, furniture with metal components, and heavy machinery. Additional investigations cover automobiles, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The Flexport Tariff Simulator automatically identifies Section 232-eligible products by HTS code.

Current Section 232 rates are 50% for most steel and aluminum products from most countries, effective June 4, 2025. The United Kingdom maintains preferential treatment at 25%. Russia faces 200% tariffs on aluminum products. These rates are additional to normal customs duties and are automatically calculated by the Flexport Tariff Simulator.

Section 232 tariffs apply to steel and aluminum imports from nearly all countries including China, Canada, Mexico, European Union nations, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Some countries have negotiated quota arrangements or exemptions. The Flexport Tariff Simulator shows country-specific Section 232 rates based on current trade agreements and presidential proclamations.

Section 232 national security tariffs on steel and aluminum are specifically excluded from duty drawback recovery programs under 19 CFR 191.2(j). This means you cannot recover Section 232 tariffs paid on imports even if you subsequently export the goods or use them in exported products, unlike regular customs duties.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator uses official CBP and ITC data sources to calculate comprehensive duty rates for each HTS code. It automatically applies base MFN rates, then layers additional tariffs (Section 301, Section 232, safeguards) based on entry date, country of origin, and product-specific parameters like steel/aluminum content. The calculator also identifies applicable preferential programs and special duty rates.

The calculator includes date-specific functionality that applies the correct duty rates based on your entry date and date of loading. This ensures accuracy for shipments crossing rate change effective dates, Trump-era tariff modifications, and seasonal duty adjustments. Historical rates are maintained back to January 2025 for compliance verification.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator includes an intelligent search function that helps you find HTS codes using plain English product descriptions. Simply type your product name (like 'smartphone' or 'steel pipes') and the tool suggests relevant HTS classifications. You can also browse the complete HTS catalog organized by commodity chapters and sections. Find your HTS code quickly and calculate import duties in minutes with our smart search tool.

This free import duty calculator can handle one calculation at a time. Start your import duty calculation now to get accurate results for your specific shipment.

The Flexport Tariff Simulator focuses on customs duties but also calculates and displays Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) and Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) when applicable. The tool clearly separates these additional CBP fees from customs duties. Other import costs like broker fees, FDA/USDA fees, or warehouse charges are not included in the calculation. Calculate your complete import duty and fee breakdown now to plan your import costs accurately.