Merchandise Processing Fee

Also called: MPF

A US user fee charged on most formal entries at an ad valorem rate of 0.3464 percent, with a minimum and maximum per entry that are adjusted each fiscal year. Informal entries pay a fixed fee. Goods qualifying under certain free trade agreements, such as USMCA, are exempt.

In practice

Consolidating shipments into fewer entries can cap MPF for high-value imports, while low-value formal entries pay at least the minimum.

Applies to: USA

Related terms

Harbor Maintenance Fee
A US fee of 0.125 percent of the value of commercial cargo loaded or unloaded at certain US ports, used to fund harbour maintenance. It applies to…
Entry summary
The US filing that provides the full data for an import, including HTS numbers, values, origin and duties, and accompanies the deposit of estimated…
USMCA
The free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada, in force since 1 July 2020, replacing NAFTA. Its origin rules include regional…
CBP
The US federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for customs and border control, including collection of duties,…

All terms →