Freight calculator: CBM, container and Gulf import duty

Two quick estimates before you ask for a quote: how much space your cartons take, and roughly what customs duty and VAT you will pay when they arrive in the Gulf.

Cartons and volume

Length (cm)Width (cm)Height (cm)

Number of cartonsGross weight per carton (kg)

Volume per carton–

Total volume–

Total weight–

Charged for sea LCL (W/M)–

Container–

Sea LCL is charged on whichever is greater: the volume in CBM or the weight in tonnes (1 CBM = 1,000 kg). Usable container space: 20GP about 25–28 CBM, 40GP about 55–58 CBM, 40HQ about 65–68 CBM.

Import duty and VAT estimate

Destination countryDuty rate (%)

Goods value (invoice, USD)Freight and insurance to the port (USD)

CIF value (customs value)–

Customs duty–

VAT–

Duty and VAT–

GCC common tariff: most goods from China pay 5% duty on the CIF value, once, at the first GCC point of entry. VAT is charged on CIF + duty. Some HS codes pay more or nothing, and VAT-registered importers can often recover or reverse-charge VAT. Customs fees, attestation and port charges are extra. This is an estimate, not a quote: our team confirms the duty from your HS code.

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