What is the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?
The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a US federal fee on commercial cargo moving through US seaports. It is 0.125% of the value of the cargo and is paid into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which pays for dredging and maintaining US harbours. For imports, CBP collects it with the duties and the Merchandise Processing Fee when the entry summary is filed.
Core principle: HMF only applies to ocean freight. The same goods flown in by air don’t pay it.
Who pays HMF
| Shipment | HMF? |
|---|---|
| Ocean imports through a covered US port | Yes, 0.125% of value |
| Air imports | No |
| Exports | No (the US Supreme Court ruled HMF on exports unconstitutional in 1998) |
| Goods admitted to an FTZ | Generally collected when goods are admitted |
Example: An ocean shipment of furniture valued at US$80,000 pays HMF of 0.125% × 80,000 = US$100, on top of duties and MPF. Unlike MPF, HMF has no maximum.
HMF in your landed cost
- Include it in landed cost for every ocean import into the US.
- Check it on entry summaries, since it is calculated on the value of the cargo.
- Remember that comparing air and ocean costs should include HMF, especially for high-value goods.
Europe has no direct equivalent on goods value. Port costs in Europe are built into terminal handling and port dues that carriers pass on in freight rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is HMF the same as MPF?
No. MPF funds customs processing and applies to all formal entries. HMF funds harbour maintenance and applies only to ocean cargo.
Does HMF have a cap?
No. Unlike MPF, HMF is a flat 0.125% of cargo value with no maximum.
Do exports pay HMF?
No. The US Supreme Court ruled in 1998 that applying HMF to exports was unconstitutional.
Legal reference: 19 CFR § 24.24 – Harbor Maintenance Fee.
