What is Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and why do I have to pay it?
Formal and informal entries are subject to a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). 19 USC 1401 requires the importer of record to pay the fee to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of presenting the entry summary. Formal entries are required for imports of commercial goods valued at $2,000 or more, with the exception of certain commercial imports valued at $250.00 (i.e. textiles).
Effective October 1, 2011, the MPF for formal entries is an ad valorem fee of 0.3464 percent. The fee is based on the value of the merchandise being imported, not including duty, freight, and insurance charges. The maximum amount of the fee shall not exceed $485 and shall not be less than $25. For example, if .3464 percent of the amount of your merchandise is greater than the maximum amount of $485, the importer is only required to pay the maximum amount of $485.00.
For entries filed on or after October 1, 2011, until the CBP system changes take effect with the 0.3464% rate, CBP will bill the importer for the increase in MPF. CBP will disregard differences of less than $20. For more information visit MPF increase.
Informal entries generally, do not require a CBP bond and are usually for personal use imports or commercial imports valued less than $2,000 (only if the Port Director requests based on importation).
MPF for informal entries is assessed on goods that are transported to the U.S. via air, ship and international mail. MPF for informal entries is a set fee and ranges from $5.00 to $9.00 per shipment.
For more information visit CBP.gov.
Source: https://help.cbp.gov/
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