Import Guide · Landed Cost
What does it actually
cost to import an engine?
The sticker price of an engine in Dubai is not what you will pay at your warehouse door in Lagos, Mombasa, or Accra. Freight, import duty on CIF value, VAT, port clearing fees, and FX conversion all add up. This guide explains each component — and our calculator lets you run the numbers for any African market in seconds.
What makes up the landed cost?
The unit price as listed. For export, this is your FOB (Free On Board Jebel Ali) value.
Container or RoRo freight from Jebel Ali to destination port. Ranges from ~$280 (Egypt) to ~$620 (Angola) per consignment.
Typically 0.5% of CIF value. Protects the cargo against loss or damage in transit. Required by most African customs.
Cost + Insurance + Freight. This is the taxable base for import duty in most African markets — not just the purchase price.
Applied as a percentage of CIF. Ranges from 20% (Egypt, Ghana) to 35% (Nigeria). Plus VAT in most markets.
Clearing agent fees, port levies, inspection fees, container demurrage. Varies by port — budget $280–$480.
All of the above combined. This is what the engine actually costs you at your warehouse door.
Duty rates by market (2026)
| Market | Port | Import duty | Sea transit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | Apapa, Lagos | 35% CIF + 7.5% VAT | 35–40 days | Guide → |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | Mombasa | 25% CIF + VAT 16% | 8–14 days | Guide → |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | Tema | 20% CIF + VAT 15% | 24–30 days | Guide → |
| 🇦🇴 Angola | Luanda | 30% CIF + VAT 14% | 22–30 days | Guide → |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | 25% CIF + VAT 18% | 12–18 days | Guide → |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | Alexandria/Port Said | 20% CIF + VAT 14% | 7–10 days | Guide → |
Figures are estimates based on HS 8407/8408/8708 published tariffs (June 2026). Verify with a licensed clearing agent before shipment.