Meaning
International trade standards establish a uniform system for determining the monetary worth of imported goods for the purpose of levying ad valorem duties. The wto customs valuation agreement dictates that the primary basis for the duty calculation should be the transaction value, which is the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export. This framework governs valuation across all member nations to prevent arbitrary or fictitious pricing by customs authorities.
It does not govern the calculation of local transport costs or domestic sales taxes.
Transaction Value
Declared value must include all payments made by the buyer to the seller as a condition of the sale. This amount includes licensing fees, tooling costs, and any design work performed outside the importing country. These costs are added to the invoice price.
Alternative Calculation
Customs officers can use alternative methods of valuation if the transaction value is rejected as inaccurate or unreliable. These methods include comparing the goods to identical or similar items imported at the same time. This process is highly regulated to ensure fairness.
Customs Audit
Importers must maintain detailed transaction records to prove the accuracy of their declared values to the authorities. These records include bank transfers, contracts, and purchase orders. This documentation prevents the assessment of penalties and retroactive duty claims.