This is not a price list. It rebuilds one shipment line by line — goods, freight, insurance, duty, additional measures, import tax and local charges — so you can see which line drives the total. For context, this product family carries a planning duty band of 0%–3.9% into the US. The sample below holds the product, condition and origin constant and compares three borders.
The worked sample
100 used industrial machinery moving from China with $30,000 FOB value. Each line is modelled separately, so you can see where the money goes.
China → the US · used industrial machinery · 100 units
| Cost line | Amount | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| FOB goods value | $30,000 | User provided |
| International freight (FCL 40ft) | $6,700 | Estimated |
| Cargo insurance | $165 | Estimated |
| Customs duty (2.5% × CIF) | $922 | Rule-based |
| Additional measures | $9,216 | Rule-based |
| Import VAT / GST (0%) | $0 | Rule-based |
| Statutory fees | $174 | Rule-based |
| Clearance, port, inland, docs | $1,130 | Estimated |
| Estimated landed total | $48,307 | $483 / unit |
Sample generated with engine 2026.11.1 and data reviewed 2026-11-01. It is not a quote, a classification or a customs ruling.
Same goods, three borders
Duty, import tax and additional measures differ by destination even when the goods and origin do not. This is the comparison to run before choosing an entry point.
| Border | Duty band | VAT / GST | Additional measure | Sample landed | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 0%–3.9% | None | Section 301 tariff (China-origin) | $48,307 | $483 |
| UAE | 5% | 5% | None modelled | $38,802 | $388 |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | 15% | None modelled | $43,331 | $433 |
All three runs use the same goods value, quantity, packing density and sea mode. A real shipment will diverge on compliance, freight and local delivery.
What moves this number
- Age and condition evidence
- Cleaning and quarantine status
- Oversize shipping mode
- Function-based HS line
- Market conformity requirements
Machinery spans many chapters. A pump and a compressor can sit in different subheadings with different rates; confirm the 8–10 digit line. Used machinery may need inspection, cleaning certificates or agency approval. Installation and spare parts may be classified separately.
Industry-specific parameters to set
These are the fields that change a industrial machinery estimate. Set them in the calculator rather than applying a generic average.
| Parameter | Set it to | Why it moves the landed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Age and running hours | Year built, hours, rebuild history | Used equipment is valued on its actual condition. A rebuilt machine and a worn one with the same model number do not carry the same customs value. |
| Cleaning and quarantine | Cleaning certificate, fumigation where wood is used | Soil, residue and wood packaging can trigger inspection, cleaning or refusal. A certificate is cheaper than a hold. |
| Weight and dimensions | Weight, footprint, lifting points | Oversize machines move as flat-rack or breakbulk, not in a standard container. That changes freight and terminal handling materially. |
| Function and power source | Pump, compressor, packaging line; electric or diesel | The function decides the HS line; the power source and capacity decide the band within that family. |
| Conformity mark | CE, UKCA or SASO as applicable | Used machinery still needs to meet the destination market rules. Retrofitting guards or controls is a real cost after arrival. |
| Spares and tooling | Spare parts, manuals, commissioning support | Spares shipped with the machine are part of the customs value. Separately invoiced service visits usually are not. |
Parameter effects are explained qualitatively; no rate is invented for a product line the data does not support. Run the estimate with your own values before committing to a DDP price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to import used machinery?
The sample imports 100 used industrial machines with a 30,000 USD FOB value from China to the United States. Expected landed cost is $48,307, or $483 per unit, before retrofit or commissioning.
Can used machinery be imported anywhere?
Most markets allow it, but used-goods inspection, age limits and conformity rules vary. Some destinations require a pre-shipment inspection certificate.
Why does cleaning matter?
Agricultural and quarantine authorities treat soil and plant residue as a biosecurity risk. A machine that arrives dirty can be held, cleaned at destination or returned at your cost.
Does used machinery get a lower duty rate?
Not automatically. Duty follows the HS line, not the age. Condition affects the customs value, and therefore the duty amount, but not the rate.
What is usually excluded from a DDP quote?
Retrofit to local safety standards, commissioning, foundation works and quarantine cleaning. Budget for these separately.
Related cost files
Planning estimates only. Duty and tax outcomes depend on the exact HS line, origin, customs valuation, origin rules and measures in force on the date of entry. FOBtoDDP is not a customs broker, freight forwarder or legal adviser. Confirm with a licensed broker before contracting.