Cole Blog

Change to U.S. Merchandise Processing Fees effective Jan 1st 2018

Written by U.S. Customs Dept. - Cole International | Dec 4, 2017 3:48:00 PM
Every shipment of goods imported into the U.S. is subject to a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). The MPF has been in place for thirty years and its impact should be taken into account when considering all the costs of importing goods to the U.S.
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in a recent Federal Register notice that the MPF will be increased to account for inflation, with the new rates taking effect January 1, 2018.
 
As of the new year, the new minimum MPF will be $25.67 and the new maximum MPF will be $497.99. The rate for calculating MPF (0.3464 percent of the declared cargo value) remains unchanged. In addition, the MPF for informal entries will increase to $2.05. 
 
How to calculate the MPF on imports into the U.S.
 
For every $7200 of merchandise value, add $25.67 for MPF (you will never pay less than $25.67 for a formal entry) up to a maximum of $497.99. A shipment valued at $140,000 or more will incur the maximum MPF.
 
Notes:
  • Informal entries valued under $2500.00 are subject to a $2.05 MPF

  • If your goods qualify for any special trade programs, the MPF may not apply

For information about whether your shipments are subject to MPF or to discuss how the MPF changes may affect you... 
 
 
Information provided by: U.S. Customs Brokerage Dept. - Cole International