Known limitations
Before you rely on an estimate
ImportChecker is deliberately an approximate estimator. The final customs decision can change the classification, value, origin treatment, tax base and fees.
Limitations reviewed 5 August 2026.
Safe use
Use the result to compare scenarios and expose cost components. Do not use it as the only basis for a customs declaration, regulated-goods decision, preference claim or high-value purchase.
Material gaps in the current calculation
- Classification
- The search suggests data rows; it does not apply every legal note or issue a binding code.
- Valuation
- Related-party adjustments, assists, royalties, commissions and destination-specific inclusions need manual review.
- VAT and GST
- Standard rates are broadly covered, but reduced, zero, exempt and importer-specific treatment is incomplete.
- Preferences
- Rules of origin, evidence and shipment conditions are not automatically proven.
- Trade measures
- Anti-dumping, countervailing, safeguard, quota and emergency measures are only included where imported and matched.
- Fees
- Brokerage, carrier, port, processing, inspection, bond, storage and agency fees are not comprehensively priced.
Results that need extra care
- The description is generic, or several product codes seem plausible.
- The duty is specific, compound, seasonal or quota-dependent.
- The result uses a WTO fallback instead of a national tariff line.
- The goods come from an origin subject to additional duties or sanctions.
- A trade agreement rate determines whether the order is profitable.
- The product is food, alcohol, tobacco, chemicals, medicine, vehicles or another regulated category.
- The shipment is high value or an error would interrupt the business.
Minimum independent checks
- Confirm the full national tariff code in the destination’s current tariff.
- Read linked legal notes and extra measures for the product and origin.
- Apply the destination’s customs valuation rules to the actual transaction.
- Confirm product-specific VAT, GST, excise and relief treatment.
- Ask the carrier or broker for government and commercial clearance fees.
When to get professional help
Contact the customs authority or a qualified broker when classification is uncertain, the shipment is regulated, a binding origin claim is needed, or the estimate changes a material buying decision. Ask for a binding or advance ruling where the jurisdiction offers one and certainty justifies the time and cost.
If the issue is an ImportChecker source or calculation error, send the page, inputs and supporting official link to contact@importchecker.net.