HTS Codes, Duty Rates & Import Fees Explained | AEB Logistics
Alan Fan
Last Update 2 months ago
Get to know the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). This schedule tells you how much duty you’ll need to pay when importing specific commodities.
The HTS code also flags any trade agreements or regulations tied to your cargo. It’s basically your heads-up for what’s coming.
Check out the government database to see the tariffs on your items. It’s not the most exciting site, but it’s the official source.
Find your commodity’s category on the left side. Click on it, and you’ll see the duty rates for each country of origin in the first column on the right - if that country has “Normal Trade Relations (NTR)” with the US.
Watch for special sub-columns for countries that have unique trade agreements with the US. If a country doesn’t have NTR, you’ll spot it in the second column. Some folks in the industry call these “Column Two” countries, which sounds a bit mysterious, but that’s just how it is.
Your product’s customs forms will include a ten-digit HTS code. AEB Logistics uses this code to handle all the paperwork for both import and export countries.
AEB also pays Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF) for ocean freight. This fee is 0.125% of your product’s value.
You’ll get hit with a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) whether you ship by air or ocean. This fee is 0.35% of your product’s value, not counting freight, insurance, or other duties.
The MPF caps out at $485 and won’t ever be less than $25. It’s one of those things you just can’t avoid.
If you’re shipping to Amazon FBA, you’ll need to pay all fees before your cargo arrives at the FBA center. Amazon won’t pay anything on your behalf, so don’t count on it.