Worldwide Exporter Original Guide
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editorial Team
Import from India: Landed Cost Checklist for International Buyers
A low unit price on an EXW or FOB quote can still produce a high total cost at your warehouse. Landed cost is the full cost of getting goods to the place you need them, including logistics, duty and local charges. Use this checklist before you award an order.
Cost building blocks
| Component | Examples |
|---|---|
| Product | Unit price, tooling, sample fees, labeling |
| Origin logistics | Inland haulage, origin terminal, export clearance |
| Main carriage | Ocean/air freight, fuel surcharges |
| Insurance | Cargo cover beyond minimum Incoterm levels |
| Destination | THC, customs broker, storage, demurrage |
| Duty & tax | Customs duty, VAT/GST, other import taxes |
| Last mile | Inland delivery to warehouse or customer |
How to compare two supplier quotes
- Convert both quotes to the same Incoterm and currency.
- Add missing origin or freight legs with forwarder estimates.
- Estimate duty using a working HS classification (confirm with your broker).
- Add inspection, banking and inventory carrying costs if material.
- Choose on total cost and reliability — not unit price alone.
Data you should request from suppliers
- Net/gross weight and carton dimensions
- Proposed HS code and material composition
- Packing type (carton, pallet, crate)
- Lead time and earliest ready date
- Whether quotes include export clearance and origin THC
Frequently asked questions
Is CIF the same as landed cost?
No. CIF usually covers cost, insurance and freight to the destination port — not necessarily duty, broker fees or inland delivery.
Why do two FOB quotes land at different totals?
Packing density, origin charges, carrier choice and destination handling can diverge even when FOB unit prices look similar.
What should I read next?
Incoterms, HS codes and shipping.