Free tool

Customs Value Builder (official HMRC rate)

Duty is charged on the customs value, not the invoice. Build it up correctly — including the tooling most importers forget — and convert it at the rate HMRC actually uses.

Invoice currency

What goes in

Tooling and other assists

Tooling, moulds and materials you supplied are added to the customs value even when they are invoiced separately and never shipped. We spread the cost across the run, then add the share carried by this shipment.

What comes out

Only deductible if itemised separately from the price of the goods. If your supplier quoted DDP, the UK duty and VAT are buried in that price — take them out here, or you will pay duty on your duty.

Customs value

Goods and additions
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Tooling in this shipment
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Deductions
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Customs value
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Customs value in GBP
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Estimate only. This follows the transaction value method and the common additions and deductions; unusual arrangements, related-party sales and some royalties need specific advice. Confirm against gov.uk before declaring.

Questions about this tool

What goes into the customs value?

Under the transaction value method it starts with the price paid for the goods, then adds freight and insurance to the UK border, packing, royalties that are a condition of sale and any tooling or materials you supplied. Buying commission, costs after arrival in the UK and UK duty and VAT can come out, but only if they are itemised separately from the price of the goods.

Why is tooling added when it never ships?

Tooling, moulds and materials you supply are part of what the goods cost, so they are added to the customs value even when they are invoiced separately and never leave China. The builder spreads the cost across the whole run and adds the share carried by this shipment.

Which exchange rate should I use?

The rate HMRC publishes each month for customs use, not the live market rate and not your bank's rate on the day. If the current month's rate is not out yet, the builder shows last month's and says so; check the official monthly rates before you declare.

My supplier quoted DDP. What changes?

The UK duty and VAT are buried in a DDP price. Take them out as a deduction, or you will be paying duty on your duty.

Get a landed price with the valuation done properly

Tell us the product, quantity and destination. Our own staff in China verify factories, follow production and inspect before shipment. We reply the same working day to confirm receipt and arrange next steps.

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