Merchandise Processing Fee

MPF appears on every formal entry and belongs in landed cost. Because of the per-entry cap, consolidating shipments into fewer, larger entries can lower MPF per unit.

MPF = entered value × MPF rate, then raised to the minimum or capped at the maximum

Check current CBP rates.

How is the merchandise processing fee calculated?

For formal entries, MPF is a fixed percentage of the entered value, with a minimum and maximum per entry that CBP adjusts each fiscal year. Check CBP's current figures before costing a shipment.

• Harbor Maintenance FeeA US fee charged as a percentage of the value of commercial cargo loaded or unloaded at certain US ports, applying to ocean shipments but not air or most land imports.
• Entry SummaryThe CBP Form 7501 filing, usually submitted electronically through ACE by a customs broker, that declares classification, value, origin, and duties for an import and accompanies the duty payment.
• Landed CostThe total cost of getting a product to your warehouse ready to sell: purchase price plus freight, insurance, duties, tariffs, brokerage, and handling.
• Customs BrokerA licensed professional who files entries with US Customs and Border Protection and calculates duties on behalf of importers.