On October 21, President Obama signed into law legislation that increases the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) from .21% to .3464% for formal entries. The higher MPF rate is effective for the period of October 1, 2011, to June 30, 2021.

In order to pay the difference between the old and new MPF rates, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will generate bills for October 1, 2011, through the day before the higher rate is implemented electronically via the agency’s Automated Commercial System (ACS) or Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). CBP is not expected to bill any difference in the MPF rate that is less than $20. CBP will also provide one week’s notice before the agency begins to require the higher MPF rate electronically.