CUSTOMS & TRADE DEFINITION
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)
Authoritative Definition
The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a U.S. federal fee assessed at 0.125% of the cargo value on commercial ocean freight imports discharged at designated U.S. waterborne ports.
Why It Matters in International Trade
Funds dredging and maintenance of U.S. deep-draft harbors and ocean terminals under 19 CFR 24.24.