How to Calculate Landed Cost (LDP) for Imports | Complete Guide by Inex Solutions

Learn how to calculate landed cost (LDP) accurately before importing from China. Understand duties, freight, customs, and taxes with this step-by-step guide from Inex Solutions.

CALCULATOR

11/11/2025

a calculator sitting on top of a table next to a laptop - inex solutions
a calculator sitting on top of a table next to a laptop - inex solutions

When importing from China or any other international market, the biggest mistake most importers make is judging by factory price alone. The real question should be:
“What will my product cost when it reaches my warehouse?”

That’s where Landed Duty Paid (LDP) — or Landed Cost — becomes essential. It helps importers see the true cost of a product after every expense involved in getting it delivered safely and legally.

1️⃣ What Is Landed Cost (LDP)?

Landed Cost represents the total cost of a product from the supplier’s factory door to your final delivery location.
It includes product cost, freight or shipping cost, insurance, customs duties, taxes, and local transportation.

💡 At Inex Solutions, our LDP Calculator simplifies this process, giving you an instant estimate of your total import cost before placing an order.

2️⃣ Why Calculating LDP Matters

Knowing your landed cost helps you make better decisions. It allows you to:

  • Avoid hidden costs that reduce profits

  • Set accurate selling prices

  • Compare supplier quotes fairly

  • Plan your cash flow confidently

Without understanding your LDP, you might end up selling at a loss or getting surprised by unexpected fees during customs clearance or delivery.

3️⃣ Step-by-Step Formula to Calculate LDP

A simple way to calculate LDP is:

LDP = Product Cost + Freight + Insurance + Customs Duties + GST/Taxes + Local Transport + Handling Charges

Each part of this formula has its role:

  • The product cost is the base price quoted by your supplier.

  • Freight and insurance cover the cost of shipping and risk protection.

  • Customs duties and taxes depend on the HS code and the country’s import policy.

  • Local transport and handling include moving goods from port to warehouse and any documentation charges.

4️⃣ Example Calculation

Imagine you are importing 500 LED keychains from China.
Your supplier offers them for ₹50,000. Freight and insurance cost around ₹10,000.
Customs duties come to approximately ₹9,000, and GST adds another ₹10,800.
After adding local transport and handling of ₹2,500, your total landed cost becomes ₹82,300.

This means your true cost per keychain is ₹164.6 — not ₹100 as the factory price suggested.

This example shows why calculating your total landed cost is so important before making an order.

5️⃣ How Inex Solutions Simplifies the LDP Process

Inex Solutions helps importers avoid guesswork by providing a free LDP Cost Calculator.
Our system takes into account all major components of landed cost — from freight mode (air or sea) to customs duty and local logistics.
With one quick calculation, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before confirming a shipment.

📈 This transparency allows importers to plan pricing, negotiate smarter, and protect profit margins.

6️⃣ Tips to Reduce Your Landed Cost

There are several ways to reduce your LDP effectively:

  1. Consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers into one container.

  2. Negotiate better freight rates with logistics partners.

  3. Use accurate HS codes to avoid overpaying on duties.

  4. Work with verified sourcing partners like Inex Solutions to ensure correct documentation and fair pricing.

  5. Plan shipments early to avoid emergency air freight costs.

Each of these methods can help you lower your final import cost and improve profitability.

7️⃣ Common Mistakes Importers Make

New importers often make critical mistakes such as:

  • Ignoring product insurance

  • Misclassifying HS codes

  • Under-declaring product value

  • Forgetting post-customs domestic charges

  • Relying on unverified suppliers

These errors can lead to shipment delays, penalties, or financial losses. Partnering with experts like Inex Solutions ensures accuracy, transparency, and smooth delivery from start to finish.

Conclusion

Understanding and calculating Landed Cost (LDP) is the foundation of successful importing.
It not only prevents hidden expenses but also helps businesses set profitable prices with confidence.

At Inex Solutions, we guide importers through every step — from cost estimation to supplier coordination and customs clearance — ensuring your importing journey is simple, safe, and profitable.

👉 Try the Free LDP Calculator Today!
Estimate your total landed cost instantly with Inex Solutions.
📩 Email: sales@inexsolutionsconnect.com
🌐 Visit: www.inexsolutionsconnect.com