CBP Hikes User Fees to Match Inflation Creep
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
This document announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2027 in accordance with the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) as implemented by the CBP regulations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
38.322% Inflation Increase for CBP Fees
CBP increased customs COBRA user fees and corresponding limits by a factor of 38.322 percent based on a 2.84 percent CPI-U change. This adjustment applies to the listed fees and limitations for Fiscal Year 2027 and is required as of October 1, 2026.
Higher Merchandise Processing Fee Limits
The merchandise processing fee limitations were increased for Fiscal Year 2027 to a minimum limitation of $34.58 and a maximum limitation of $670.86, while the ad valorem rate remains 0.3464 percent. These adjusted limits take effect October 1, 2026.
Commercial Truck Fees and Prepayment Rise
For Fiscal Year 2027 CBP's Commercial Truck Arrival Fee (CBP portion) is $7.60 and the Commercial Truck Calendar Year Prepayment Fee (CBP portion) is $138.32. These CBP amounts are effective October 1, 2026; separate USDA/APHIS AQI fees (for example $14.50 per single crossing and an $870.60 transponder fee) are collected by CBP on behalf of USDA.
Customs Broker Permit Fee Increased
The customs broker permit user fee is adjusted to $190.88 for Fiscal Year 2027. This adjusted fee is required as of October 1, 2026.
Higher Passenger, Mail, and Express Fees
Several consumer-facing fees rise for Fiscal Year 2027: the commercial vessel or aircraft passenger arrival fee is $7.61 (commercial vessel passenger from territories $2.67), the dutiable mail fee is $7.61, and the express consignment carrier waybill fee is $1.38. These adjusted fees apply starting October 1, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15528, New Postal Products
The Postal Regulatory Commission is reviewing a new deal the Postal Service wants to add to its competitive products. This affects businesses and customers who use special postal services, with public comments open until August 5, 2026. No price changes are announced yet, but this could mean new options or tweaks to existing services soon.
Next: 2026-15533, Name of Information Collection: Safety and Health Measures and Mishap Reporting (NFS 1852.226-71), Safety and Health Measures and Mishap Reporting (Formerly NFS 1852.223-70)
NASA, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections.