The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a federal charge paid by most U.S. importers when ocean shipments arrive at U.S. ports. Importers pay HMF at a rate of 0.125% of the shipment’s declared customs value, which is the same value reported to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for duty purposes. The fee is reported and paid when the entry summary (CBP form 7501) is filed, typically handled by a trusted freight forwarder or customs broker.
Funds collected through HMF help maintain and improve ports and navigation channels, ensuring efficient and reliable port operations for cargo importers. The fee applies only to ocean freight and does not apply to shipments arriving by air, truck, or rail. There are some cargo types, such as government shipments or goods moving between certain U.S. territories, that may be exempt. For most importers, HMF represents a predictable component of landed costs and supports essential U.S. trade infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) and how it relates to international shipping, freight forwarding, and U.S. imports.
Who is Responsible for Paying the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?
The importer of record is legally responsible for paying the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). This is the person or company listed on the customs entry documents for ocean shipments entering U.S. ports. It is the importer’s duty to make sure the fee is properly calculated, declared, and settled when submitting the entry summary to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Often, importers work with freight forwarders to manage the fee payment as part of their overall import clearance process. However, the legal obligation to pay the HMF always remains with the importer of record. Failure to pay the fee can lead to penalties or delays.
Does the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) Apply to Air Shipments?
No. HMF only applies to imports moving through covered U.S. seaports. If you move urgent or high-value goods via air shipments, you will not pay HMF, although other airline and airport-related fees may apply.
Importers who use both ocean and air freight services should be aware that HMF is exclusive to ocean imports.
What Happens if You Do Not Pay the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?
If the Harbor Maintenance Fee is not paid, U.S. Customs and Border Protection can hold your cargo and delay release until the fee is settled.
Importers of record remain legally responsible, even when they use a customs broker or freight forwarder to manage the process. Non-payment may also result in penalties, including fines or interest charges, which add unnecessary costs to your shipment.
Since HMF is a mandatory fee of 0.125% of the declared customs value on ocean imports, businesses should treat it as a standard part of landed cost planning. Ensuring that the fee is reported and paid on time during entry summary filing helps importers avoid disruptions and stay compliant with CBP regulations.
How Do You Calculate the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?
To calculate the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), multiply the declared customs value of the ocean shipment by 0.00125 (which is 0.125%).
For example, for a $50,000 shipment: $50,000 × 0.00125 = $62.50 HMF.
What Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) Means for Businesses Importing to the USA
For mid-sized businesses importing goods into the U.S., the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a consistent, manageable expense that affects budgeting and logistics planning.
While the 0.125 percent fee may look small, it adds up across frequent ocean shipments and influences landed costs and pricing. Many importers rely on trusted freight forwarders to handle HMF reporting and compliance, especially when internal logistics support is limited. Staying current with HMF obligations helps avoid delays, penalties, and cash flow challenges. By building this fee into landed cost calculations from the outset, businesses can streamline operations, remain compliant with customs, and maintain competitiveness in the U.S. market.
Does the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) Vary Based on the Port of Entry?
No, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) does not vary based on the port of entry. It is a federally regulated fee collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a uniform rate across all covered U.S. seaports. This means importers pay the same percentage no matter which port their ocean shipment arrives at.
Because HMF is consistent nationwide, importers can build it into landed cost calculations with confidence. Whether cargo enters through major gateways like Los Angeles, New York, or Savannah, or smaller regional ports, the fee is applied in the same way. This predictability makes budgeting and logistics planning easier for businesses that rely on ocean freight.
Importers should note, however, that while HMF is standardized, other port-related charges may vary depending on the location and service providers. HMF itself remains uniform nationwide.
Is Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) the Same as Customs Duties?
No, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is not the same as customs duties. The HMF is a fee charged on cargo imported by sea to cover the costs of maintaining U.S. ports and harbors, ensuring they remain functional and efficient. It is collected separately by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of the import process.
Customs duties, however, are taxes imposed on imported goods based on their classification and origin. Duty rates vary widely depending on product type and trade agreements and may apply regardless of the shipment method. Both fees appear separately on customs documentation and serve distinct purposes within the broader framework of import costs and compliance.
What Is the Difference Between the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) and the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)?
Importers often see both HMF and MPF listed on customs documentation, but each plays a distinct role in the import process.
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): This fee applies only to ocean shipments arriving at U.S. seaports. It funds the maintenance of harbors and navigation channels, helping ensure efficient port operations and reliable maritime trade infrastructure.
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): This fee applies to most customs entries, regardless of whether goods move by sea, air, truck, or rail. It supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection in processing imports and covers the administrative work involved in clearing shipments.
So while HMF is tied specifically to ocean freight and port maintenance, MPF applies more broadly and supports customs processing across all modes of transport. Both fees can be handled seamlessly through a trusted digital freight forwarder as part of the overall shipping process.
How Do Incoterms Affect HMF Responsibility?
Incoterms are a set of 11 internationally recognized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They outline how buyers and sellers share costs and responsibilities in global trade. Each rule defines who arranges and pays for different parts of the shipment, including main freight, cargo insurance, export and import duties, and local transportation. By doing so, Incoterms create a common framework that helps prevent misunderstandings between trading partners.
In almost all Incoterms, except for Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), the buyer is responsible for customs clearance in the destination country. This means the buyer must cover all import charges, including HMF, as part of the entry process.
The one exception is DDP. Under DDP, the seller agrees to cover all import duties, taxes, and required fees instead of the buyer. This includes the Harbor Maintenance Fee, which the seller pays as part of delivering the goods to the buyer’s final destination.
How Do Digital Freight Forwarders Help Importers Handle Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF)?
Digital freight forwarders simplify and streamline the entire shipping process for businesses that import goods into the U.S. Their role goes beyond booking space on vessels or arranging transportation. They support importers at every step, from pre-shipping inspections at the supplier’s location to securing cargo insurance, arranging ocean freight, and managing customs clearance. As part of this comprehensive service, they also handle compliance with required fees, including HMF.
For most importers, HMF is included in the overall payments managed by their freight forwarder. This ensures that the fee is correctly reported and paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the entry filing process.
By working with a trusted digital freight forwarder, you can feel confident that all of your required documentation, duties, and fees, including HMF, are managed correctly.