Which of the following best describes the term "import duties"?

The term "import duties" refers specifically to taxes imposed by a government on goods that are brought into the country from another nation. This means that when goods are imported, the importing party is responsible for paying these duties, which are calculated based on the value and nature of the goods. Import duties serve as a means for governments to regulate trade and protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive.

The other options describe different charges associated with international shipping and trade but do not accurately encapsulate the essence of what import duties are. For instance, charges for goods sent to foreign countries pertain to exports rather than imports. Fees for regulatory compliance during shipping may relate to customs regulations but do not specifically denote the taxation aspect that import duties entail. Similarly, payments for shipping and handling services are operational costs related to transporting goods, not governmental taxes on the goods themselves. Thus, option B accurately captures the meaning of import duties.