The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is 0.125% of the value of imported commercial cargo shipped through U.S. ports, with no minimum or maximum charge
What is the maximum harbor maintenance fee?
There is no maximum Harbor Maintenance Fee; it is calculated as a flat 0.125% of the shipment’s declared value
Because it’s a straight percentage of the cargo’s declared value, the fee naturally grows with the size of the shipment—think $1 million cargo equals $1 250 in HMF, whereas a $10 000 load only costs $125. In most cases, this scaling means the charge mirrors the benefit you get from well‑maintained harbors, no matter how big or small the load. Honestly, this approach keeps things fair. After you’ve crunched the numbers, you can double‑check the math by looking at the CBP Form 7501 instructions or, better yet, chatting with a licensed customs broker (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
Who pays Harbour maintenance?
The importer of record is legally responsible for paying the Harbor Maintenance Fee
Usually, the importer’s customs broker takes care of the payment during entry, using CBP Form 7501 as the vehicle. If the importer skips the payment, U.S. Customs can put a hold on the shipment—or even slap on penalties. That said, shipments that fall under the de minimis threshold often get a waiver, though the importer still needs to confirm eligibility (see Federal Trade Commission guidance on import responsibilities). (A quick call to your broker can save you a lot of hassle.)
What is harbor Maintenance Tax?
The Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) is a federal tax established by the Harbor Maintenance Revenue Act of 1986 to fund U.S. port and harbor upkeep
Revenue from the HMT flows into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which then bankrolls dredging, lock repairs, and other navigational projects. The tax mirrors the HMF at 0.125% of cargo value and is collected alongside customs duties. For a deeper dive, check out the Congressional Research Service overview of the Harbor Maintenance Act (Congressional Research Service).
How much is MPF and HMF?
HMF is 0.125% of the shipment’s value, while MPF for formal entries is 0.3464% of value with a $27.23 minimum and $528.33 maximum
Informal entries—think mail shipments—use flat MPF rates of $2.22, $6.66, or $9.99 depending on the transport mode. For a $75 000 formal entry, MPF would be $259.80 (0.3464% × $75 000) and HMF would be $93.75 (0.125% × $75 000). Importers should verify entry type with their broker to avoid unexpected fees (Investopedia on customs fees). (It’s always better to ask early than to be surprised later.)
What is the current merchandise processing fee?
The current Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) for formal entries is 0.3464% of the entered merchandise value
This fee funds CBP operations such as cargo inspections, trade compliance, and automated processing systems. As of 2026, MPF carries a $27.23 floor and a $528.33 ceiling, adjusted annually for inflation. Informal entries continue to use the flat‑rate schedule noted earlier (U.S. Customs and Border Protection fee schedule). Generally, you’ll see the fee reflected on your entry summary.
Is there a minimum HMF?
No, the Harbor Maintenance Fee has neither a minimum nor a maximum charge
Even duty‑free or low‑value shipments incur HMF based on their full declared value—for example, a $500 shipment pays $0.63. The only potential exemption is for items falling under the de minimis threshold for personal imports, which may waive both duty and HMF. Importers should confirm eligibility with CBP guidelines (CBP de minimis page). (A quick glance at the CBP site can clear up most questions.)
What is cotton fee?
The cotton fee is a modest assessment on cotton imports, typically waived when the line‑item value is $2.00 or less
This fee supports the Cotton Research and Promotion Program, which funds marketing and scientific research for U.S. cotton. If the itemized value exceeds $2.00, the exact rate depends on the cotton’s classification in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Importers should consult the HTS or their broker to determine the applicable amount (U.S. International Trade Commission HTS). Typically, the fee is a few cents per kilogram.
What is the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund?
The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) is a federal account that finances the upkeep of U.S. harbors and navigable waterways
The HMTF receives revenue from both the Harbor Maintenance Tax and the Harbor Maintenance Fee. It covers 100% of maintenance costs for harbors 50 feet deep or less; deeper channels require cost‑sharing with non‑federal partners such as port authorities. By keeping channels clear, the fund supports approximately $1.5 trillion in annual waterborne commerce (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). In practice, this means smoother sailing for shippers.
How much can you send to U.S. without paying duty?
You may send up to $100 worth of gifts duty‑free to friends or relatives in the United States per day, per recipient
This exemption applies only to occasional gifts and not to commercial shipments or alcohol/tobacco, which have separate limits. The $100 limit is part of the broader de minimis rule that also exempts HMF for qualifying personal shipments. For detailed rules, see CBP’s guidance on informal entries and gifts (CBP gift exemption). (Just remember to keep receipts handy.)
How much is clearance fee?
U.S. Customs does not charge a separate “clearance fee”; clearance costs are embedded in the Merchandise Processing Fee and any applicable broker charges
Importers pay the MPF (0.3464% of value, with min/max caps) and possibly a customs broker’s service fee, which varies by provider and shipment complexity. Some ports may assess modest harbor maintenance or security surcharges, but these are distinct from the MPF/HMF. To avoid surprises, request a full fee breakdown from your broker before shipment (Investopedia on customs broker fees). Generally, transparency saves headaches.
How much is U.S. custom tax?
The term “U.S. customs tax” generally refers to duties, which vary widely by product classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Duty rates range from 0% for many goods (e.g., books, certain electronics) to over 30% for items like certain clothing or agricultural products. The exact rate is determined by the HTS code assigned to the merchandise. Importers can look up rates using the USITC’s online tariff database (USITC DataWeb). Typically, you’ll want to verify the code before shipping.
What is a merchandising fee Walmart?
Walmart does not impose a separate “merchandising fee”; any fees related to importing goods through Walmart are the standard customs charges (MPF, HMF, duties) passed on to suppliers
Suppliers shipping products to Walmart’s U.S. distribution centers must comply with normal CBP requirements, including payment of MPF and HMF. Walmart may charge its own logistics or handling fees, but these are separate from government customs fees. For details, review Walmart’s vendor agreement or consult a customs specialist (Walmart Supplier Gateway). (In my experience, staying on top of those agreements pays off.)
What is a merchandise processing fee MPF and why do I have to pay it?
The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) funds U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s processing of imported goods, including inspections, data management, and trade compliance
Without MPF, CBP would lack resources to examine cargo for prohibited items, verify valuation, and enforce trade laws. The fee is legally mandated under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and applies to all formal entries. Paying MPF helps ensure smooth customs clearance and reduces the risk of shipment delays or penalties (CBP MPF explanation). Honestly, it’s a small price for peace of mind.
What is Fedex merchandise processing fee?
FedEx does not set its own MPF; it passes through the official U.S. Customs Merchandise Processing Fee to the customer as part of its brokerage service
When you use FedEx International Broker Select or FedEx International Economy, the carrier includes the applicable MPF (0.3464% of value, with min/max caps) in the invoice, along with HMF and any duties. FedEx may add a brokerage service fee for handling the paperwork, which varies by shipment value and service level. Always review the FedEx invoice breakdown to see the exact government fees versus carrier charges (FedEx International Broker Services). (A quick glance can prevent unexpected costs.)
