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Glossary

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is calculated at 0.125% of the cargo value, as declared on the commercial invoice.

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

What is the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)? 

The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is assessed by U.S. Customs for products imported via ocean through U.S. ports. 

If a shipment is transporting via ocean to a Canadian port, and routed through Canada into the U.S., it will not be subject to the HMF. 

How is the HMF calculated?

The HMF is calculated at 0.125% of the cargo value that was declared on the commercial invoice, with no minimum or maximum. 

When applicable, the HMF appears on your invoice as a Customs charge. It will not be included in your quote, since at that stage, we don’t yet know the total value of your shipment; however, if you wish, you may estimate it using the calculation above.

Note: The HMF is assessed for both dutiable and duty-free products.

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Related Help Articles

How Do I Estimate Customs Duties?

Commercial Invoice and Packing List: What You Need to Know 

Related Glossary Terms

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) 

Commercial Invoice 

Resources

What is the Harbor Maintenance Fee? - CBP

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