Understanding US Customs Clearance Costs

When importing commercial goods into the United States, the price on your supplier's invoice is only part of the story. Before US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will release your cargo from the port, you must pay a series of duties and fees. If you do not budget for these accurately, your profit margins will be wiped out.

1. Import Duty (Tariffs)

This is the largest variable. The duty rate is determined by the product's HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) Code and its country of origin. Some products enter duty-free (0%), while others face steep protective tariffs (up to 25% or more).

2. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

The MPF is a mandatory fee charged by US Customs on all formal entries (shipments valued over $2,500). It is calculated at 0.3464% of the goods value.

• Minimum MPF: $31.67
• Maximum MPF: $614.35

Note: If you import a $500,000 shipment, your MPF is legally capped at $614.35, saving you a significant amount of money.

3. Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

The HMF only applies if your goods arrive via Ocean Freight at a US port. It does not apply to air freight or trucks crossing the border. It is calculated at 0.125% of the goods value, with no minimum or maximum limit.

4. Customs Broker Fee

Unless you are a licensed customs broker yourself, you must pay a third-party logistics company to file the entry paperwork (CBP Form 3461 and 7501) on your behalf. Brokers typically charge a flat fee per entry, usually ranging from $100 to $250.