US import duty · checked 30 October 2026
How to calculate US customs duty on an import
US duty is the item's value × the duty rate for its tariff code, plus any extra tariff for the country it was made in, plus a small customs processing fee. Since the US ended its $800 duty-free allowance in August 2025, almost every commercial parcel pays.
Want the answer for your own case? Use the tool, then read on for the details.
Work out the duty on my productThe formula
- Find the tariff code (10-digit HTS) for the item. How to find it.
- Take the customs value: normally the price paid for the goods.
- Multiply by the normal duty rate for that code (from 0% to over 30%).
- Add any country tariff: for example the Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on many countries since 24 July 2026, or Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper content.
- Add the Merchandise Processing Fee (below), and the 0.125% Harbor Maintenance Fee if it came by sea.
Worked example
A $40 sterling silver necklace made in the UK: normal rate 5% ($2.00) plus 10% Section 301 ($4.00) = $6.00 duty, before any carrier fee.
Merchandise Processing Fee (from 1 October 2026)
| Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| Informal (under $2,500) | $2.77 flat |
| Formal ($2,500 and over) | 0.3464% of value, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86 |
Couriers and postal services often add their own clearance or brokerage charge on top. Ask yours what it charges.
What's exempt or reduced?
- Goods that qualify under a trade agreement, such as USMCA for many Canadian and Mexican goods, can enter at 0% normal duty.
- US goods returned without being improved abroad can come back duty-free under special Chapter 98 provisions.
- Some items have a 0% normal rate (art prints, many books), but country tariffs can still apply.
Work out the duty on my product
Next: set US prices that cover duty · jewellery duty · metal content tariffs.
Want the numbers done for you? US tariff calculator with live HTS rate search. Importing under your own number? Check your Form 5106 before CBP voids it.
Sources: US International Trade Commission, Harmonized Tariff Schedule; CBP user fee updates for fiscal year 2027 (Federal Register notice of 31 July 2026, as summarised by Juno Logistics). Read 30 October 2026. Estimates only; CBP decides the final duty.