Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

What Is the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?

The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a U.S. government-imposed fee on import shipments that arrive via ocean freight. Designed to help fund maintenance and dredging of U.S. ports and harbors, the Harbor Maintenance Fee is assessed and collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

If you’re importing goods by vessel into the United States, especially through major seaports like Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, or Savannah, HMF is one of the standard charges you’ll encounter on your customs entry summary (CBP Form 7501).

Why the Harbor Maintenance Fee Matters

The HMF is not just a technicality—it directly impacts the landed cost of your goods. Whether you’re importing consumer electronics or industrial components, understanding how HMF works helps avoid surprises and supports more accurate landed cost forecasting.

Even though it’s relatively low, the Harbor Maintenance Fee adds up across high-volume shipments, especially for large importers. And for companies using duty drawback programs, FTZs, or bonded facilities, knowing how to legally reduce or recover the fee can create meaningful savings.

What Does the HMF Cost?

The Harbor Maintenance Fee is currently charged at a rate of 0.125% of the commercial value of imported cargo (as declared to CBP).

For example:

If your shipment is valued at $100,000, your HMF would be $125.
This fee is typically paid by the importer of record and listed on the CBP Entry Summary (Form 7501).

When and Where Is HMF Applied?

HMF applies to cargo that:

Enters the U.S. via a coastal or inland port maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Is imported by vessel (HMF does not apply to air, rail, or truck imports)
Is declared for consumption or warehouse entry

The fee is not charged on:

Exports (except domestic shipments to Puerto Rico)
Shipments entering via Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)—until removed for U.S. consumption
Cargo under informal entries (typically valued under $2,500)

Who Pays the Harbor Maintenance Fee?

The importer of record is responsible for paying the HMF at the time of entry. Freight forwarders and customs brokers like Shapiro help clients calculate, report, and remit this fee correctly to CBP.

The HMF is filed via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system and typically shows up alongside other fees, such as the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and applicable duties or tariffs.