What is the harbor maintenance fee on imports and who pays it?
Quick answer
The harbor maintenance fee (HMF) is 0.125% of the value of commercial cargo unloaded from a ship at a listed US port. The importer pays it with the duty on the entry summary (CBP Form 7501), based on the same appraised value used for duty. It applies to ocean cargo, not air or truck, and is not charged on shipments that qualify for informal entry (19 CFR 24.24).
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 0.125% (.00125) of the value of commercial cargo loaded on or unloaded from a commercial vessel at a listed port (24.24(a)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Who pays | The importer, at the time of unloading, for cargo destined for consumption, warehousing or foreign trade zone admission (24.24(e)(2)(i)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Value | The CBP appraised value under 19 U.S.C. 1401a, the same basis used for duty (24.24(e)(2)(i)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| How it is paid | Shown on CBP Form 7501 (or electronic equivalent) and added to duty, taxes and fees at formal entry (24.24(e)(2)(ii)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Small shipments | Not assessed on imported cargo entitled to informal entry under 19 CFR 143.21 (24.24(d)(3)(i)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Exemptions | Include cargo entering in bond for transportation and direct export (with Canada/Mexico conditions), US government cargo, and certified humanitarian cargo of nonprofits (24.24(c)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Records and refunds | Keep documentation for 5 years from fee calculation (24.24(g)); refund requests within 1 year of payment (24.24(e)(4)(ii)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Penalty | Failing to pay and file on time: a penalty equal to the liquidated damages for late filing of an entry summary under 19 CFR 142.15; importers are liable under the entry bond (24.24(h)(1)) | 19 CFR 24.24 |
| Last verified | November 2, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Do air shipments pay HMF?
No. The fee applies to cargo loaded on or unloaded from a commercial vessel at a listed port (24.24(a)), so air and truck shipments do not pay it.
How much is HMF on a $20,000 container?
0.125% x $20,000 = $25. Unlike the merchandise processing fee, HMF has no minimum or maximum in 24.24.
Is HMF charged on a small parcel?
Not if the shipment is entitled to informal entry under 19 CFR 143.21 (24.24(d)(3)(i)).
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What else do people ask?
Is HMF the same as MPF?
No. HMF (0.125%, ocean only) funds harbor maintenance; MPF (0.3464% with a $34.58 minimum and $670.86 maximum in FY2027) is a customs processing fee on every formal entry.
Can I get HMF back on goods I re-export?
Cargo entering in bond for transportation and direct export is exempt (24.24(c)(6)); other refunds follow 24.24(e)(4) and must be requested within one year.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.