CIF / FOB price
Basis for calculating customs value: CIF in the EU (including freight and insurance) and FOB in other countries.
CIF / FOB price and customs value
The choice between the CIF base and the FOB base for calculating the customs value varies depending on the country and has a direct impact on the amount of customs duties.
CIF basis (EU and others)
In the European Union, the customs value is calculated on a CIF basis, i.e. transport and insurance costs to the point of entry into the EU are included in the taxable value.
FOB basis (USA and others)
The United States and some other countries calculate customs duties on an FOB basis, excluding international freight and insurance from the taxable value.
Financial impact
The difference can be significant for bulky goods or goods with a high freight value. Goods imported into the EU will pay duties on a broader base than in the United States.
Practical advice
When negotiating international contracts, it is important to understand the applicable calculation basis to correctly estimate the total import cost.