Import Fees Explained
Customs Clearance Fees — Who Pays What, and Why
That surprise DHL or FedEx invoice isn't just duty — it's duty plus a brokerage fee for clearing the package. Here's every clearance charge that exists, who pays it under each Incoterm, and how to see the full cost before you ship.
Who pays, by Incoterm
DDP — Delivered Duty Paid
Seller pays everything
Duty, taxes and clearance are in the price. No surprise invoices — the importer-of-record is the seller.
DAP / DDU — Delivered at Place
Buyer pays on arrival
The most common e-commerce term — and the source of surprise carrier invoices for duty + brokerage.
EXW / FOB — Ex Works / Free on Board
Buyer pays from origin/port
Buyer arranges freight, insurance, clearance and duty. Standard for commercial container shipments.
Full guide: Incoterms explained
Customs clearance fees — FAQs
It's the charge for processing your goods through customs — paid to whoever files the entry: a customs broker (typically $75–250 per formal entry) or the carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS charge brokerage/disbursement fees, often $15–50+ on small parcels). It's separate from the actual duty and taxes, which go to the government.
When a carrier clears your package through customs, they advance the duty/tax to the government and charge you: (1) the duty itself, (2) a brokerage or 'disbursement' fee for the service — often a percentage of the advanced amount with a flat minimum. That's why a $5 duty can arrive as a $25 invoice. This is standard practice, not a scam.
It depends on the Incoterm. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): seller pays everything. DAP/DDU: buyer pays duty and clearance on arrival. EXW/FOB: buyer handles and pays from origin or port. Most marketplace purchases ship DAP — which is why consumers get surprise carrier invoices.
For a commercial ocean shipment: broker fee $75–250 + ISF filing ~$35 + bond (single-entry ~0.5% of value, or continuous ~$250–500/yr) + MPF 0.3464% + HMF 0.125%. For small parcels: carrier brokerage $15–50. Plus the duty itself. Use a landed cost calculator to see the complete stack for your shipment.
Legally yes — self-filing is allowed for both individuals and companies. Practically, formal entries require ACE filing access, HTS classification, bond arrangement and customs knowledge; errors trigger penalties that dwarf the saved fee. Self-clearing makes sense for individuals collecting a parcel at a port office, rarely for commercial flows.
Never get surprised by an import invoice again
Duty + tariffs + MPF + HMF + clearance — one number, before you commit. Free calculator, no account needed.
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