Does shipping to the United States feel complex and unpredictable? You’re not alone. Many SMEs spend hours comparing services and decoding import duties USA rules, time you could invest in growing your business instead of chasing paperwork. For SMEs that want to ship or import outside the EU, ParcelParcel is the shipping aggregator that simplifies the whole process. We compare DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV and Skynet in one platform, handle customs procedures and paperwork, and help you calculate US import tax and import duty rates US, so you save time and keep control over your shipments. No contracts, no subscriptions, just clear options and fast booking.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
In the US, customs duty is based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Every product gets an HTS code. That code, together with your product value and country of origin, determines the customs duty you pay when importing into the USA.
In practice, “import duties USA” is only one part of the total charges. Many shippers use “US import tax” as an umbrella term for:
Customs duty (based on the HTS and your product)
Federal fees like the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) for ocean freight
Possible state and local taxes (e.g. use tax or sales tax, depending on your setup)
Getting the HTS code right is step one. Misclassification can mean you pay too much duty—or risk delays and penalties. With ParcelParcel, our customs specialists can sense-check your HS/HTS code before you ship.
Until recently, many low-value shipments entered the US duty-free under Section 321, also known as the “$800 de minimis rule”. Goods valued at or under 800 USD could often clear with minimal paperwork and no customs duty.
That has now changed.
On 30 July 2025, the US President signed an Executive Order that suspends duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments from all countries. Effective 29 August 2025, shipments that would previously have been duty-free under the $800 rule are now subject to normal import duties, taxes and fees.
What this means for you:
Most low-value parcels are now treated like regular import entries.
You should expect import duties USA, MPF and possibly other charges even below 800 USD.
Correct HTS classification and documentation are more important than ever for fast, predictable clearance.
ParcelParcel helps you adjust to this new reality by calculating US import tax up front and choosing services that keep your landed cost under control.
When you talk about import duty rates US, it’s easy to focus only on the percentage from the HTS. But your real “landed cost” to the USA includes more:
1. Customs duty (HTS-based)
A percentage (ad valorem) or a specific rate based on your HTS code, product description, value and origin. Some products or origins may be subject to additional tariffs or trade measures.
2. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
For most imports, the MPF is 0.3464% of the entered customs value. The ad valorem rate has not changed, but the minimum and maximum amounts are adjusted annually for inflation.
Until 30 September 2025 (FY2025):
Minimum MPF: 32.71 USD
Maximum MPF: 634.62 USD
From 1 October 2025 (FY2026):
Minimum MPF: 33.58 USD
Maximum MPF: 651.50 USD
3. Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)
For ocean shipments to or via US ports, HMF is typically 0.125% of the cargo value and is not charged on air-only or land-only shipments.
4. Courier and handling fees
Express carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS charge disbursement or advancement fees for paying duties and taxes on your behalf, plus clearance and handling surcharges. These vary by carrier and service.
5. State and local taxes
Depending on your Incoterms and how the shipment is delivered, state “use tax” or sales tax may apply. Rules differ per state.
With ParcelParcel, you see these elements upfront where possible. Our team can talk you through the expected import duties USA and the other charges, so there are no surprises for you or your customer.
Here’s a simple framework our team also uses when preparing a US landed-cost estimate:
Material, function, and technical specs matter. “Electronic device” is too vague; “battery-powered handheld barcode scanner” is much better.
Use the official HTS search tools and classification notes, or ask your customs broker. If you already use HS codes in your ERP, we can help map those to US HTS codes and sense-check them.
Look up the duty percentage for your HTS code and note any country-specific rules or extra duties. This is where your origin (EU, UK, Asia, etc.) becomes important.
Apply the MPF ad valorem rate of 0.3464%, with the correct minimum/maximum depending on the fiscal year, and add HMF if your shipment moves by ocean freight.
Put together:
Freight and insurance to the US
Customs duty and MPF/HMF
Carrier handling and disbursement fees
That gives you a realistic landed-cost baseline, your real US import tax picture.
Tip: Send us your product description (or HS/HTS code), value and origin and we’ll quickly estimate import duty rates US and suggest the best courier option. In many cases, you’ll have a clear quote and transit time within minutes.
When you’re already aware there are multiple options for managing import duties USA, the question is: why choose ParcelParcel?
One platform, top couriers
Compare DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV and Skynet instantly, no contracts, no minimum volumes, no subscriptions. You choose the service that fits your shipment and your budget.
Customs made simple
We help prepare commercial invoices, advise on HTS classification, and highlight any extra documents (like FDA requirements for food or cosmetics) before you book. That means fewer delays and unexpected costs at the border.
Sharp, transparent rates
Our platform shows you real-time rates and gives guidance on US import tax and fees before you confirm your booking.
Human support that speaks your language
Want to talk through a complex shipment or recurring lane? Our team actually picks up the phone and helps you make the smartest choice.
ParcelParcel brings clarity, speed and control, without you having to figure it all out yourself.
Different products face very different import duty rates US. A few typical examples:
Apparel & textiles
Often higher duty bands. Fiber content (cotton, synthetic, wool), knit vs woven and whether it’s for men, women or children can all change the duty rate.
Electronics
Many finished consumer electronics have relatively low or even zero customs duty, but accessories (cables, cases, mounts) may fall under different HTS codes with different rates.
Food, supplements & cosmetics
Expect stricter compliance (FDA and other agencies) plus possible duties. Documentation and labelling need to be sorted before the shipment leaves.
Machinery and spare parts
Classification often depends on the machine’s end use and whether you are shipping parts or complete units. Clear packing lists and descriptions are essential.
If you’re unsure, send us a product list. We’ll show you how import duties USA will impact your margin and which courier service keeps costs and lead times under control.
Collect your product information (clear description, HS/HTS code if available, value and origin).
Ask us to validate the HTS and check if any extra measures or licenses apply.
Use our online booking and quote tool to compare services, prices and transit times.
Confirm your preferred option, print the labels and commercial invoice, we’ll guide you through pickup and tracking.
Do you have any questions about import duties and VAT or about sending packages to and from the US? Feel free to contact us.
Ready to ship smarter? Start today with ParcelParcel, no obligations, but personal support whenever you need it.
The basic calculation hasn’t changed: import duties USA are based on your product’s HTS code, declared customs value and country of origin. What has changed is that the $800 de minimis exemption has been suspended, so many low-value parcels that were previously duty-free are now treated like regular import entries and can be charged customs duty, MPF and other fees.
When you book via ParcelParcel, we help you select the correct HTS code, factor in MPF/HMF where relevant and give you a clear landed-cost estimate before you confirm your shipment.
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Customs duty is the tariff set in the HTS for your specific product and origin. “US import tax” is a broader term that usually includes:
Customs duty
MPF and, for ocean freight, HMF
Possible state or local taxes
With ParcelParcel, these are clearly broken down, so you can see exactly how US import tax is built up for your shipment.
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You can search the Harmonized Tariff Schedule online and review the legal notes for your product category. That’s a great starting point, but classification can be tricky. If you send us your product specs (including material, use and technical details), we’ll help verify the likely HTS code and import duty rates US before you ship, so you don’t run into surprises after arrival.
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No. Customs duty, MPF and HMF are governed by US rules, but each courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.) sets its own clearance, handling and disbursement fees and offers different transit times and service levels. ParcelParcel compares these options side-by-side for your route, so you can see the total cost, including import duties USA and carrier fees, and pick the best fit.
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We focus on both duty and logistics:
Helping you avoid misclassification that could increase US import tax
Selecting services and Incoterms that work best for your US customers
Preventing delays that may lead to storage or other extra charges
Consolidating shipments when that delivers better import duty rates US and lower freight cost per unit
You get a clear, book-and-ship workflow with proactive customs support, so your margins stay healthy and your customers get their orders on time.
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You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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