US import duty on electronics
Good news: smartphones, tablets, and laptops are duty-free under HTS 8517/8471. The catch — you still pay the MPF processing fee and your carrier's brokerage fee, which on a small parcel can be $12–$35.
MFN general rate 0% (Free) HTS 8517.13 Smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks
Electronics duty rates at a glance
| Item | HTS code | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 8517.13.00 | Free |
| Tablet or laptop | 8471.30 | Free |
| Smartwatch | 8517.62 | Free |
| Headphones | 8518.30 | Free |
Key facts
- Smartphones (HTS 8517.13): 0% general rate (Free)
- Tablets & laptops (HTS 8471.30): 0% general rate (Free)
- MPF and carrier brokerage fees still apply — duty-free ≠ fee-free
- China-origin electronics face Section 301 / IEEPA surcharges despite 0% MFN
Don't forget the fees
- MPF processing fee: from $2.69 (informal entry)
- Carrier brokerage: USPS flat $9.35; UPS/FedEx/DHL vary
- Country-of-origin surcharges stack on top of MFN rates
Electronics duty by origin country
FAQs
If electronics are duty-free, why was I charged?
Duty-free refers only to the tariff. CBP still collects the Merchandise Processing Fee, and your carrier charges a customs brokerage/disbursement fee. On a $200 phone shipped via DHL, expect roughly $15–$35 in fees even at 0% duty.
Do China-origin phones pay extra?
Yes. Country-of-origin surcharges (Section 301, IEEPA) stack on top of the MFN rate — a 0% base rate does not exempt Chinese-origin goods from the 10–25% overlays.