ákvæðistollur

Ákvæðistollur, often translated as a specific duty or specific tariff, is a type of import duty where the tax is levied based on a fixed amount per unit of the imported good. This is in contrast to ad valorem duties, which are calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported good. For example, an ákvæðistollur on imported coffee might be a set amount per kilogram, regardless of the price of the coffee.

The primary characteristic of an ákvæðistollur is its direct relationship to the quantity or physical measurement of the product. This could be per item, per weight, per volume, or per other defined unit. The advantage for customs authorities is that it simplifies assessment and collection, as the value of the goods does not need to be determined. For importers, it can provide more certainty in costing, especially for commodities where prices fluctuate. However, it can disproportionately affect lower-value goods, as the fixed duty might represent a larger percentage of their cost compared to higher-value goods. Ákvæðistollur can be used for various reasons, including revenue generation, protection of domestic industries, or as a tool to manage the flow of specific goods into a country.