CBP Announces 2025 Inflation-Adjusted Customs Fees

The adjustments to CBP’s structure of customs charges reflect a 3.35% inflation increase and cover a wide range of transport and administrative-related fees.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced adjustments to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) customs fees.

These new fees will be required for all applicable entries starting October 1, 2024, and are part of CBP’s broader mandate to ensure efficient customs processing while maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders.

According to a Federal Register Notice, the updated customs fees account for a 3.35% increase in inflation between June 2023 and May 2024 and are required by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act).

These fee adjustments can significantly impact importers' overall cost structure, especially those dealing with large quantities or high-value goods.

CBP advises all importers and freight companies to review the new fee schedule and ensure their payment systems are updated accordingly.

Additionally, those utilizing services such as the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the CBP Document Imaging System (DIS) should adjust their processes to accommodate these fee changes.

Key adjusted customs fees

American importers will soon see these newly adjusted fees applied across several categories of imports, including shipments by commercial vessels, trucks, railroads, and private vessels:

• Commercial vessel arrival fee: Adjusted to $571.81 per arrival.
• Commercial truck arrival fee: Increased to $7.20 per crossing.
• Railroad car arrival fee: Now set at $10.80 per car.

The fee adjustments are designed to cover the costs associated with customs inspections and processing for various modes of transportation. Moreover, the updates ensure that CBP can continue to fund its operational needs as import volumes grow.

Other updated fees

Adjustments were made to other relevant customs and processing fees in addition to the major transport-related fees. Importers handling shipments with specific requirements should pay attention to the following changes to avoid unexpected surcharges. 

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) caps:

• Minimum MPF: Increased from $30.33 to $31.28 per entry.
• Maximum MPF: Increased from $598.00 to $616.35 per entry.
• Ad Valorem Rate: The MPF rate itself remains unchanged at 3464% of the entered value of merchandise but is subject to these new caps.

Broker permit user fee

This fee, which applies to brokers, is set to increase to $175.25 from its previous $169.62.

Dutiable mail fee

The fee for handling dutiable mail increased to $6.77 per package, up from $6.55. 

Customs warehouse and bonded facility fees

• Customs warehouse application fee: Raised from $3,972 to $4,104.
• Triennial bonded warehouse fee: Adjusted from $1,592 to $1,644.

Additional fee adjustments

• Fees such as the Informal Entry or Release Fee (automated) have been increased from $2.77 to $2.86.
• Non-automated informal entries saw an increase from $8.66 to $8.95.

What U.S. importers should do next

With the new fees now in full effect, you are advised to take the following steps immediately:

• Review contracts with freight forwarders, brokers, and suppliers to understand how the increases in customs fees may affect your bottom line.
  
  
• Update your internal systems to reflect the new fee schedules and ensure that invoices and financial projections align with the adjustments.

• Consult with your customs broker to evaluate how these new fees could impact your imports and explore potential savings strategies.

Moreover, if your company consistently imports goods, you are advised to reassess your cost forecasts for the coming fiscal year to ensure these updated fees are accounted for.

For more information about the adjusted customs fees and how it will affect your import business, please reach out to one of our trade professionals.