Reminder: U.S. Customs User Fee Changes Effective October 1, 2023

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it will be adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

Annual fee increases are mandated by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, which requires CBP to make annual adjustments and fee limitations as necessary to account for inflation. These changes will take effect on October 1, 2023.

Merchandise Processing Fee

The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is a critical aspect of customs processing that impacts importers. CBP has conducted its annual review to adjust the MPF for inflation, leading to changes in the fee structure for Fiscal Year 2024.

The new MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) primarily affects importers and introduces a minimum fee of $31.67 and a maximum fee of $614.35. This represents an increase compared to the previous year, where the minimum fee stood at $29.66, and the maximum fee was $575.35. Importantly, the ad valorem rate of 0.3464% remains consistent and has not been altered.

Other Fee Changes

CBP has determined that the base fees and limitations will be adjusted for FY2024, resulting in the following increases –

Customs COBRA User Fees and Limitations Found in 19 CFR 24.22 as Adjusted for Fiscal Year 2024

1. Commercial Vessel Arrival Fee:

   $553.55, and the calendar year maximum for these fees will be $7,543.20.

2. Barges and Other Bulk Carriers Arrival Fee: $139.34, and the calendar year maximum will be $1,900.05.
3. Commercial Truck Arrival Fee: $6.95 and the calendar year maximum will be $126.67
4. Railroad Car Arrival Fee: $10.45 and the calendar year maximum will be $126.67
5. Private Vessel or Private Aircraft First Arrival and Year Prepayment Fee: $34.83
6. Dutiable Mail Fee: $6.97
7. Commercial Vessel or Commercial Aircraft Passenger Arrival Fee: $6.97
8. Commercial Vessel Passenger Arrival Fee (from one of the territories and possessions of the United States): $2.44
9. Customs Broker Permit User Fee: $174.80

Customs COBRA User Fees and Limitations Found in 19 CFR 24.23 as Adjusted for Fiscal Year 2024

1. Express Consignment Carrier/Centralized Hub Facility Fee, Per Individual Waybill/Bill of Lading Fee: $1.27

2. Minimum Express Consignment Carrier/Centralized Hub Facility Fee: $0.44
3. Maximum Express Consignment Carrier/Centralized Hub Facility Fee: $1.27
4. Surcharge for Manual Entry or Release Fee: $3.80
5. Informal Entry or Release; Automated and Not Prepared by CBP Personnel Fee: $2.53
6. Informal Entry or Release; Manual and Not Prepared by CBP Personnel Fee: $7.60
7. Informal Entry or Release; Manual; Prepared by CBP Personnel Fee: $11.40
8. Express Consignment Carrier/Centralized Hub Facility Fee, Per Individual Waybill/Bill of Lading Fee: $1.27

A complete list of fee changes and corresponding limitations is included in the Federal Register notice.

For questions about these customs user fee increases please contact us.