Merchandise processing fee minimum and maximum rise for fiscal year 2027
CBP's yearly inflation adjustment raised the merchandise processing fee limits from October 1, 2026: the fee stays 0.3464% of entered value, with a minimum of $34.58 (was $33.58) and a maximum of $670.86 (was $651.50) per formal entry. The harbor maintenance fee stays 0.125% on ocean cargo.
What this affects
Key dates
- October 1, 2026Fiscal year 2027 fee amounts applyPassed
- October 1, 2027Fiscal year 2028 fee amounts apply; CBP usually publishes them in late July or AugustNext
The update
The notice published July 31, 2026 adjusts the customs user fees set under COBRA for fiscal year 2027, as the FAST Act requires each year. The new amounts apply from October 1, 2026.
For formal entries the merchandise processing fee remains 0.3464% of entered value, now with a $34.58 minimum and a $670.86 maximum. Informal entry fees are $2.77 when automated and not prepared by CBP, $8.30 when manual and not prepared by CBP, and $12.45 when manual and prepared by CBP.
The harbor maintenance fee on ocean cargo is set by statute at 0.125% of value and is not adjusted for inflation.
Impact
The change is small per entry, but it applies to every shipment. An importer filing ten capped entries a week pays about $193 a week more at the maximum.
What to watch
Brokers pass these fees through at cost, so check invoices dated after October 1 use the new amounts. The figures change again every October 1.
How to prepare
- 1Update landed cost templates with the fiscal year 2027 amounts
- 2Check broker invoices after October 1, 2026
Sources
- Customs User Fees To Be Adjusted for Inflation in Fiscal Year 2027 · Federal Register · July 31, 2026
We summarize published reporting and official notices. Always confirm rates and dates against the Federal Register or your customs broker before acting on them.