USA Import Duty Calculator
Estimated Import Costs:
Dutiable Value (CIF): $0.00
Estimated Import Duty: $0.00
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): $0.00
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): $0.00
Total Estimated Import Costs: $0.00
Total Estimated Landed Cost: $0.00
Understanding USA Import Duties and Fees
Importing goods into the United States involves various duties, taxes, and fees imposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These charges can significantly impact the total cost of your imported products, often referred to as the "landed cost." Understanding how these costs are calculated is crucial for accurate pricing, budgeting, and maintaining profitability.
What are Import Duties?
Import duties, also known as tariffs or customs duties, are taxes levied on goods imported into a country. Their primary purposes are to generate revenue for the government and to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The specific duty rate applied to a product depends on several factors:
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code: Every product has a unique 10-digit HTS code that classifies it. This code determines the applicable duty rate.
- Country of Origin: The country where the goods were manufactured can affect the duty rate, especially if there are free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA) or special trade programs in place.
- Value of the Goods: Duties are typically calculated as a percentage of the dutiable value of the imported goods.
Key Components of USA Import Costs
When importing into the USA, you'll typically encounter the following fees:
1. Dutiable Value (CIF)
The dutiable value is the total value upon which duties and some fees are calculated. For most imports into the U.S., this is based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. This means it includes:
- Value of Goods (FOB/Ex-Works): The price paid for the goods themselves.
- Shipping Cost: The cost to transport the goods to the U.S. port of entry.
- Insurance Cost: The cost to insure the goods during transit.
Our calculator uses these three components to determine the dutiable value.
2. Import Duty
This is the core tariff. Once the dutiable value is established, the import duty is calculated by multiplying the dutiable value by the specific duty rate (as a percentage) associated with the product's HTS code and country of origin.
3. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
The MPF is a fee collected by CBP for processing most imported merchandise. It is generally 0.3464% of the dutiable value. However, there are minimum and maximum charges:
- Minimum MPF: $31.67
- Maximum MPF: $614.35
These rates are subject to change annually. Our calculator applies these current minimum and maximum thresholds, and it is not charged if the dutiable value is zero.
4. Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)
The HMF is a fee assessed on cargo loaded or unloaded at U.S. ports. It is 0.125% of the dutiable value and applies specifically to ocean shipments. If your goods arrive via air freight or land, this fee typically does not apply. This fee is also not charged if the dutiable value is zero.
How to Use the Calculator
To estimate your import duties and fees, simply input the following information:
- Value of Goods (FOB/Ex-Works): Enter the cost of the products you are importing.
- Shipping Cost: Provide the cost of freight to get the goods to the U.S.
- Insurance Cost: Input the cost of any insurance for the shipment.
- Duty Rate (%): This is the most variable input. You will need to determine the correct duty rate for your specific product using its HTS code. Resources like the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) HTS Search can help you find this.
- Is this an ocean shipment?: Check this box if your goods are arriving by sea to include the Harbor Maintenance Fee.
The calculator will then provide an estimate for your Dutiable Value, Import Duty, MPF, HMF, Total Estimated Import Costs, and the overall Total Estimated Landed Cost.
Important Considerations and Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual duties and fees may vary due to several factors:
- HTS Code Classification: Incorrect classification can lead to wrong duty rates.
- Valuation Methods: While CIF is common, other valuation methods exist.
- Special Programs: Free trade agreements, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), or other special programs can alter duty rates.
- Anti-dumping/Countervailing Duties: Additional duties may apply to certain products from specific countries.
- Broker Fees: This calculator does not include customs broker fees, which are an additional cost of importing.
- State/Local Taxes: Sales tax or other local taxes are not included.
- Annual Fee Changes: MPF and HMF rates can be adjusted by CBP annually.
Always consult with a licensed customs broker or CBP directly for precise and legally binding duty and fee calculations for your specific import.
Example Calculation
Let's say you are importing a batch of electronic components from China:
- Value of Goods: $10,000
- Shipping Cost: $500 (ocean freight)
- Insurance Cost: $50
- Duty Rate: 2.5% (based on HTS code)
- Ocean Shipment: Yes
Using the calculator:
- Dutiable Value (CIF): $10,000 + $500 + $50 = $10,550.00
- Estimated Import Duty: $10,550.00 * 2.5% = $263.75
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): $10,550.00 * 0.3464% = $36.54 (within min/max range)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): $10,550.00 * 0.125% = $13.19
- Total Estimated Import Costs: $263.75 + $36.54 + $13.19 = $313.48
- Total Estimated Landed Cost: $10,550.00 + $313.48 = $10,863.48
This example demonstrates how various fees add up to the final landed cost, providing a clearer picture of your total expenses.