Freight Glossary
Duty – Meaning & Examples
A tax on imported goods, calculated as a percentage of value or per unit.
- Related terms
- customs duty, import duty, tariff, import tax
Duty (also called customs duty, import duty, or tariff) is a tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders. Duty rates are determined by the product's HS code and country of origin. Types include ad valorem (percentage of value), specific (amount per unit), and compound (combination). Duty rates vary widely and may be reduced under free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential arrangements.
Duty examples
- The import duty on automobiles in the EU is 10% of the customs value.
How Duty is used in freight operations
Duty appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Duty?
A tax on imported goods, calculated as a percentage of value or per unit.
What is an example of Duty?
The import duty on automobiles in the EU is 10% of the customs value.