How much of the final price is the goods
On small shipments fixed components weigh more: one terminal charge or one spot inspection spread over a few units changes the unit cost. That is why a cheap sample can become an expensive product at lot size, and why comparing suppliers only makes sense on landed cost rather than catalogue price.
What travels alongside international freight
Beyond carriage itself there are origin and destination local charges, insurance, handling in Brazil and, on ocean routes, the freight surcharge. At arrival, warehousing accrues per day and the container is charged when returned after the free period. None of this appears on the Chinese supplier’s invoice.
Which taxes fall on an import
The import duty follows the product’s tariff classification, and the same goods can receive different treatment depending on the code adopted. IPI, federal contributions on importation and ICMS are added, with rules and credit possibilities that vary by state and by the company’s tax regime. The tax base is not the invoice value: it incorporates freight, insurance and the international transport expenses.
Why two identical shipments cost differently
Risk parametrization changes clearance time and cost. Exchange rate between order and shipment changes the tax base. Port congestion, a missed transshipment and a season surcharge change the freight. A quote that ignores these variables is not wrong — it is incomplete.
How to estimate before committing
Start with tariff classification, because it opens the range of taxes and permits. Then run the official tax simulation, obtain a freight quote with an explicit Incoterm and port, and finally build a landed-cost sheet that includes tied-up capital and the time until the goods are available for sale. The exact figure depends on product, state and moment; the calculation structure does not.
Introductory guides to international trade processes, risks and decisions. Content is not a substitute for operation-specific technical, legal, tax or customs advice.