Separate The Types Of Cost
FedEx’s US international guidance includes duties, taxes and other clearance charges when discussing total landed cost. DHL Express’s US customs-services page describes administrative charges associated with handling certain customs payments. These examples show why a transport price and an import bill need to be examined separately. They do not establish a rate, tax threshold or universal fee for your destination. Ask which invoice lines are government assessments and which are services or advances provided by the carrier or broker.
FedEx US · Duties, taxes and landed cost
DHL Express US · Customs service charges
Check The Payer And The Written Scope
Before dispatch, confirm the origin and final delivery point, the selected service and the party arranging clearance. Our recommendation is to record the payer for transportation, duties and taxes, and any clearance or advance-payment service fees separately. Ask whether each item is included, separately billed, provisional or outside the agreed scope. A statement that freight is paid, or that clearance is included, needs this detail. Keep the written offer and shipment billing instructions together. Do not rely on an isolated abbreviation or a marketplace shipping title as a complete allocation of costs.
FedEx US · Duties, taxes and landed cost
DHL Express US · Customs questions and payer instructions
Match The Bill To The Shipment
If another bill arrives, compare its tracking reference, invoice number, issuing party, destination and charge descriptions with the shipment records. Request the itemised basis for any unclear line and identify the party able to review it. Keep official assessments distinct from a carrier’s service charge and from the original product price. Our recommendation is to confirm any claimed duplication before requesting a correction. The outcome depends on the shipment’s actual billing arrangements and local rules; this checklist does not determine legal liability, tax treatment or a refund entitlement.
