Know where the numbers come from.
A concise directory of primary institutions and the methodological limits of the tools on this site. The most useful source is often the one that tells you what a figure does not mean.
Trade statistics & customs
Eurostat measures reported goods flows. The European Commission provides guidance on tariff classification, customs valuation, origin and VAT treatment.
Corridors & shipping
World Bank infrastructure studies provide medium- and long-term scenarios. UNCTAD documents maritime trade developments, pricing pressures and regulatory issues.
How our import-cost tool works
It starts with a simplified customs-value assumption and applies editable duty and VAT rates. It shows intermediate results to prevent double-counting and makes clear which charges are omitted.
It is not a TARIC lookup, binding tariff information, valuation ruling or verification of preferential origin. A specialist must validate the inputs for operational use.
How our transit tool works
Its outputs are arithmetic: base movement + terminal handling + clearance and delivery, with a separate contingency allowance. Any preset is a sample worksheet, not measured transport performance.
It makes timing assumptions visible and exportable. It has no live carrier schedule, GPS feed, port API or probabilistic forecast model.
Quick glossary
Classification systems used to describe goods for trade statistics and customs measures. Their code structures and level of detail differ.
The legally determined value for customs purposes, often based on transaction value with required adjustments.
The value used to calculate import VAT; it may include customs value, duties and qualifying incidental costs.
Commercial delivery terms allocating responsibilities and risks; they do not by themselves determine customs valuation.
Time spent waiting for discharge, processing or onward handover at a port or terminal.
An explicit allowance for possible delays, not a guarantee or a statistically proven upper bound.