Calculating import tariffs from China to Greece involves several key steps. Here’s a practical, first-person guide to navigate the process smoothly—with your keywords integrated:
1. Start with the HS Code: Your Tariff Roadmap
I always start by finding the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for my goods. For example, when importing electronics, I used “85423990” to check rates—this is crucial for estimating Shipping from China to Greece price. You can look up codes on the EU’s Tariff Database or ask your supplier. Pro tip: Misclassifying my ceramics once cost me $800 in extra duties—get this right to avoid overpaying.
2. Find the Tariff Rate: Know What You’ll Pay
Greece follows EU tariffs, so once you have the HS code, check the EU Common External Tariff (CET). Most goods fall between 0–10%:
- Electronics: 4% (affects your Shipping from China to Greece price)
- Furniture: 6%
- Olive oil: 0% (thanks to the China-EU FTA!)
Last year, my furniture shipment (HS 940360) had a 6% tariff on its $50,000 value—$3,000 in duties.
3. Calculate Customs Value: The Base for Duties
Customs value includes goods, shipping, and insurance (CIF). Here’s my formula for a recent sea freight order:
- Product cost: $40,000
- Shipping from China to Greece by sea (40ft container): $7,000
- Insurance: $400
- Total CIF: $47,400 (tariffs are based on this amount)
4. Add VAT and Other Charges
Greece’s 24% VAT applies to CIF + duties:
- Duties (6%): $2,844
- VAT base: $50,244
- VAT: $12,058
Total taxes: $14,902—plan for this when budgeting Cheapest shipping from China to Greece.
5. Shipping Impacts Costs (and Timing)
- Sea Freight (Cheapest):
- My container took 35 days ($7,000 freight). Use for non-urgent goods to keep costs low.
- Air Freight (Fast):
- 200kg electronics cost $3.50/kg ($700), arriving in 4 days—worth it for urgency.
6. Save with Free Trade Agreements
The China-EU FTA eliminates tariffs for goods like olive oil (HS 151110). To qualify, get a Certificate of Origin—this saved me $2,000/shipment on Cheapest shipping from China to Greece routes.
Recommendation: China Top Forwarder
I use them to:
- Verify HS codes (saved $10k in 2025).
- Optimize routes for Cheapest shipping from China to Greece.
- Handle all duties/VAT upfront.
Contact info@chinatopforwarder.com for a tariff quote—they’ll factor in shipping costs too.