What Is Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)? A 2025 Guide
So, what is Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) exactly? It’s a federal fee charged on imports, some domestic shipments, and certain passenger tickets to help fund the upkeep of U.S. ports and harbors.
The HMF is collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and supports dredging, maintenance, and improvements that keep ports efficient for global trade. Without it, cargo movement would face higher risks of congestion and delays.
For importers, the fee is typically 0.125% of the value of the cargo, calculated at the time of entry summary filing. While the rate is small, it applies to nearly all shipments arriving by sea.
Why it matters in 2025:
Ensures smoother cargo handling at U.S. ports.
Keeps critical trade infrastructure funded.
Important for compliance in customs filings.
In short, the Harbor Maintenance Fee is a small but essential cost that keeps America’s ports running—and a key detail importers must account for in their logistics planning.
