As someone who regularly imports goods from China to Austria for my business, understanding how to calculate import tariffs has been crucial for managing costs and avoiding unexpected expenses. Import tariffs can significantly impact the shipping from China to Austria price, and getting the calculations right is key to staying competitive in the market. Here’s a detailed guide based on my own experiences and learnings.

Step 1: Determine the HS Code of Your Goods

The first and most important step in calculating import tariffs is to identify the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your products. The HS code is a universal system that classifies goods, and each code corresponds to a specific tariff rate in Austria, which follows EU regulations.

For example, if you’re importing clothing, a men’s cotton shirt might have an HS code like 6205.20.00. I once made the mistake of misclassifying a shipment of synthetic scarves, which led to incorrect tariff calculations and a delay in customs clearance. To avoid this, you can consult with your Chinese supplier, as they often have experience with exporting goods and can help you find the right code. Additionally, the EU’s official tariff database is a valuable resource to cross – check and confirm the HS code.

Step 2: Check the Tariff Rate

Once you have the HS code, you can determine the tariff rate applicable to your goods. Austria, as a member of the European Union, uses the EU’s Common Customs Tariff. Tariff rates can vary widely, from 0% for some goods to as high as 15% or more, depending on the product category.

For instance, most electronics have a relatively low tariff rate, often around 4 – 6%. In 2025, when I imported a batch of smartphones with the HS code 8517.13.00, the tariff rate was 5%. On the other hand, certain agricultural products or textiles might have higher rates. It’s important to note that some goods may also be subject to additional duties, such as anti – dumping duties, which can further increase the cost. You can find the current tariff rates on the official EU customs website or through your freight forwarder.

Step 3: Calculate the Value of Your Goods

The value of your goods is used to calculate the actual amount of tariffs you’ll pay. This value typically includes the cost of the goods themselves, plus any additional costs such as shipping and insurance. When I import goods via shipping from China to Austria by sea, I need to factor in the sea freight charges and the cost of insuring the cargo.

For example, if you purchased goods worth €10,000 from a Chinese supplier, and the sea freight cost is €800, and insurance is €200, the total value of your goods for tariff calculation is €11,000. Keep in mind that customs authorities may also adjust the value if they believe it doesn’t accurately reflect the market price.

Step 4: Calculate the Import Tariffs

To calculate the import tariffs, simply multiply the value of your goods by the tariff rate. Using the example above, if the tariff rate for your goods is 5%, the calculation would be: €11,000 x 0.05 = €550. This €550 is the amount of import tariffs you’ll need to pay when your goods arrive in Austria.

However, in addition to tariffs, you also need to consider Value Added Tax (VAT), which in Austria is currently set at 20%. VAT is calculated on the sum of the value of the goods, the import tariffs, and any other costs incurred up to the point of import. So, for our example, the VAT calculation would be: (€11,000 + €550) x 0.2 = €2,310. The total amount you’ll need to pay in taxes and tariffs is €550 (tariffs) + €2,310 (VAT) = €2,860.

The Importance of Accurate Calculations

Incorrect tariff calculations can lead to significant problems. I once underestimated the tariffs and VAT on a large shipment of furniture, which resulted in a shortage of funds to clear the goods from customs. This caused a delay in delivery, and I had to pay additional storage fees at the port. To avoid such issues, it’s crucial to be as accurate as possible in your calculations.

Recommended Assistance: China Top Forwarder

Over the years, I’ve found that working with a reliable freight forwarder like China Top Forwarder can make the process of calculating and paying import tariffs much smoother. They have a team of experts who are well – versed in the customs regulations of both China and Austria.

China Top Forwarder can help you:

• Verify the correct HS code for your goods, reducing the risk of misclassification.
• Provide accurate estimates of shipping from China to Austria price, including all potential tariff and tax costs.
• Assist with the customs clearance process in Austria, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order and that you pay the correct amount of tariffs and taxes.
• Offer shipping from China to Austria tracking services, so you can keep an eye on your goods throughout the journey and plan for when the tariffs need to be paid.

Contact China Top Forwarder

If you want to simplify the process of importing goods from China to Austria and ensure accurate tariff calculations, I highly recommend reaching out to China Top Forwarder. You can contact them via their web https://chinatopforwarder.com/send-inquiry/. Their team will be happy to answer your questions, provide you with a detailed quote, and guide you through every step of the importing process.