Customs Clearance Cost Calculator
Entry fees, per shipment rather than per unit.
Clearance cost per shipment
£124.00
£0.124 per unit
Clearance is charged per entry, not per unit, so it rewards consolidation. Halving the number of shipments saves £744 a year without changing the goods or the duty.
How the Customs Clearance Cost Calculator works
Clearance is charged per entry, not per unit, which makes it a fixed cost that rewards consolidation. Splitting an order across three shipments triples the clearance cost while the goods and duty stay the same.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does customs clearance cost?
Commonly £50-150 for a simple entry, rising with the number of commodity codes, licence requirements, or if inspection is triggered. Courier shipments carry a smaller built-in fee, often £10-15, bundled into the delivery charge.
What is a disbursement fee?
A charge the broker or courier adds for paying the duty and tax on your behalf before recovering it from you. Typically a percentage of the amount advanced with a minimum, and it is easy to overlook when comparing quotes.
How can I reduce clearance costs?
Consolidate shipments so fewer entries are filed, keep documentation accurate so entries clear without query, and consider a deferment account if volume justifies it, which removes per-shipment disbursement fees.
What triggers a customs inspection?
Risk profiling — new importers, unusual values, sensitive commodities, and inconsistent documentation all raise the odds. Inspections cost storage and examination fees and delay delivery, so accurate paperwork genuinely pays.