How do I calculate the landed cost of importing from China to the Gulf?
Landed cost per unit = product cost (FOB) + air freight + import duty + VAT. The 2026 model used here: air freight follows the Cainiao rate of CNY 68 for the first 0.5 kg plus CNY 45.6 per extra kg, converted at CNY 7.15 per US dollar; duty is 5% of the CIF value (goods + freight); VAT is the country rate applied to goods + freight + duty. The calculator returns both the per-unit landed cost and the order total.
What is the import duty from China to the GCC in 2026?
All six GCC states apply a 5% customs duty on the declared CIF value as the baseline under the GCC Common Customs Law. Some categories are exempt or reduced — for example many food, medical and educational items — and alcohol and tobacco carry much higher rates. The calculator defaults to the 5% baseline; confirm your HS code for category-specific rates.
What is import VAT in each GCC country in 2026?
VAT differs by country: UAE 5%, Saudi Arabia 15%, Oman 5%, Bahrain 10%, while Kuwait and Qatar currently apply 0% VAT. VAT is charged on the landed value (goods + freight + duty) and is generally reclaimable for registered businesses.
Why does air freight cost more per piece on a small order?
Courier pricing has a fixed first-0.5 kg charge, so on a 10-piece sample batch the base fee is spread across few units. As quantity rises, the per-unit freight falls. That is exactly why a sourcing partner consolidates orders and why low-MOQ first batches cost more per piece than full containers.
Is this calculator the same as a SourceToGulf quote?
No. The calculator shows goods + freight + duty + VAT only. A SourceToGulf landed quote also includes supplier sourcing, quality inspection, custom/private-label packaging, consolidation and compliance handling (SABER for Saudi, ECAS for UAE, etc.), with one all-in price and no separate commission. Use the calculator for planning, then send a link or photo for a real quote.
