Guide
A bid that prices only the goods and freight can lose money at the port. Customs duty is only one of the costs. This guide lists the seven costs that bidders miss and how to price them.
Last checked: November 2026
Sources: Customs Act, 1962 on India Code, the Customs Tariff, and the CBIC and DGFT notifications.
Please note: We give no rates or amounts. Each cost depends on the goods, the port and the rules in force on the date of import.
The short answer
- Price duty and tax on the notification in force on the date of import, not on the date of bid.
- Add the cost of time: queries, tests and approvals delay clearance.
- Put policy risk into the contract: a rule can change between bid and delivery.
The seven costs
- Duty and tax on the full value. The value for duty includes freight, insurance and other charges, not only the invoice price.
- Classification risk. A different code from your assumption can change duty and add a measure such as anti-dumping duty.
- Port and terminal charges that arise from delay: demurrage and detention.
- Compliance cost: tests, certificates, BIS or other approvals the goods need.
- Query and dispute cost: time and professional help if Customs raises a question.
- Finance and exchange cost while goods wait and payments are held.
- Penalty and confiscation risk from a wrong declaration, which can wipe out the margin.
How to price it
- Run a landed-cost sheet by item, with duty, tax and charges
- Add a contingency for delay, set by the goods and port
- Make the contract say who bears duty changes and delay
- Check policy and quality orders before you quote
Documents we usually ask for
- Bid documents and bill of quantities
- Supplier quotations
- Product specification and codes
- Delivery terms
- Past import records for the same goods
The exact list depends on the goods and the port. We confirm it for your case.
Mistakes to avoid
- Quoting duty from a past import
- Ignoring a restriction on the goods
- Leaving customs delay out of the schedule
- Not allocating duty risk in the contract
How we help
- Build a landed-cost sheet for your bid
- Check duty, policy and quality orders
- Advise on contract wording for customs risk
- Handle clearance if you win
Next step
Send two lines on WhatsApp (+91 93733 11838) or email (info@multimodal.biz) telling us what you need. We reply with what is required and quote our fee in writing after we see your details. You pay only after you have understood the plan and agreed the fee.
Questions
Why do bids lose money at Customs?
Duty, tax, delay and compliance costs were not priced.
Which date decides the duty?
The notification in force on the date of import. Check the exact rule.
Who bears duty changes?
Whoever the contract says. Decide in the bid.
Can you check my bid?
Send the item list and we tell you what to check.
Multimodal Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India. Last checked: November 2026. Laws, notifications and portal procedures change; we check those in force on the date of your matter. This post is general information, not legal advice.