The 5 Hidden Costs of Importing Stone (And How to Avoid Them)

It's Not Just the Invoice Price

You agreed on $4,000 for the container of Alaska White. But the final bill was $6,000. What happened? Here are the hidden killers of profit:

1. ISF Filing Penalty (USA): If you don't file "10+2" data 24 hours before the ship loads in India, US Customs fines you $5,000. We handle this data submission for you.
2. Demurrage: If you don't pick up the container from the port within 5-7 days ("Free Time"), the port charges $100-$300 per day. Always have your trucker ready!
3. Exam Fees: Random X-Ray customs exams (VACIS) cost money ($200-$500), and the importer pays, not the seller.
4. Palletization Fees: Does your warehouse have a forklift? If not, you need a truck with a liftgate, which costs extra.
5. Clean Truck Fee: Some US ports (like LA/Long Beach) charge extra for older trucks to reduce pollution.