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Import Tax

Customs Duty & Import Tax Information

When purchasing from Japan, please note that your country’s customs office may impose import duties, taxes, and VAT/GST upon your order’s arrival. These charges vary by country and are the buyer’s responsibility.

Do I have to pay customs duties if I’m in the USA (Updated Aug 29, 2025)?

Yes. All shipments to the U.S. are now subject to customs duty & fees. The final cost depends on the item value and shipping method (DHL or Japan Post). The $800 duty-free exemption no longer applies. See the comparison tax rate chart here.

Can you mark my package as a "gift" or lower the declared value?

Yes, we can, but please contact us before placing an order.

Estimate of Import Duty/Tax by Country

Country Rate Notes
Argentina VAT 21% Higher VAT bands apply on some goods
Australia Tax-free up to A$1,000 then 10% GST
Austria VAT 20% EU VAT rules
Belgium VAT 21% EU VAT rules
Brazil ~60% duty
Canada GST/HST 5–15% Rate depends on province; duty by HS code
Chile VAT 19%
China VAT 13% Plus duties/consumption tax by category
Colombia VAT 19% Plus import duties
Croatia VAT 25% EU VAT rules
Cyprus VAT 19% EU VAT rules
Czech Republic VAT 21% EU VAT rules
Denmark VAT 25% EU VAT rules
Estonia VAT 24%
Finland VAT 24% EU VAT rules
France VAT 20% EU VAT rules
Germany VAT 19% EU VAT rules
Gibraltar No VAT May have import duties
Greece VAT 24% EU VAT rules
Guatemala VAT 12% + duties
Guernsey No VAT May have import duties
Hong Kong Tax-free
Hungary VAT 27% EU VAT rules
Iceland VAT 24% Customs duties vary
India IGST 18% + Basic Customs Duty by HS code
Indonesia VAT 11% + import duties
Ireland VAT 23% EU VAT rules
Israel VAT 18%
Italy VAT 22% EU VAT rules
Japan VAT 10% To be added on the final Checkout page
Kazakhstan VAT 12% + duties by HS code
Korea (South) VAT 10% + duties; luxury tax only on certain goods
Kuwait No VAT 5% customs duty
Latvia VAT 21% EU VAT rules
Liechtenstein VAT 8.1% Aligned with Switzerland
Lithuania VAT 21% EU VAT rules
Luxembourg VAT 17% EU VAT rules
Malaysia 10% LVG tax On ≤ RM500 air parcels; above RM500, SST + duty
Malta VAT 18% EU VAT rules
Mexico VAT 16% De minimis ≈ US$50; duty varies
Netherlands VAT 21% EU VAT rules
New Zealand GST 15% Low-value GST regime; border collection >NZ$1,000
Norway VAT 25% VOEC scheme applies for low-value
Oman VAT 5% + 5% customs duty
Paraguay VAT 10% Some goods 5%
Peru VAT 18% + duties
Philippines VAT 12% + duties by HS code
Poland VAT 23% EU VAT rules
Portugal VAT 23% EU VAT rules
Qatar No VAT 5% customs duty
Romania VAT 19% EU VAT rules
Saudi Arabia VAT 15% + customs duties ~5%
Serbia VAT 20% + duties
Singapore GST 9% Applies to all low-value imports since 2024
Slovakia VAT 20% EU VAT rules
Slovenia VAT 22% EU VAT rules
South Africa VAT 15% + duties; apparel has higher rates
Spain VAT 21% EU VAT rules
Sri Lanka VAT 18% + customs duties vary
Sweden VAT 25% EU VAT rules
Switzerland VAT 8.1% New standard rate 2024
Taiwan VAT 5% + duties
Thailand VAT 7% + duties by HS code
Turkey VAT 20% Luxury categories can be much higher
United Arab Emirates VAT 5% + 5% customs duty
Ukraine VAT 20% De minimis ≈ €150; duty varies
United Kingdom VAT 20%
United States (USA) duty & fees $800 de minimis ended. Cost varies by value & carrier. See Import Tax Page
Uruguay VAT 22% + duties
Uzbekistan VAT 12% + duties
Vietnam VAT 10% + duties

⚠️ Disclaimer

The import duty, tax, and VAT rates listed above are estimates only and may vary depending on your country’s customs policies, product category, and declared value. Additional handling fees, administrative charges, or local regulations may also apply. We strongly recommend that customers verify the latest import duties and tax rates with their local customs office or DHL before placing an order.

How to Pay Import Taxes & Duties?

For most destinations, import taxes and duties can be paid online via DHL once the package arrives at your country’s customs house. DHL will notify you via email or SMS with a secure payment link before releasing your package for final delivery.

What happens if I refuse to pay?

If you refuse to pay customs fees, your package may be returned to us (if permitted by customs) or disposed of by customs (in which case no refund will be possible).

If the package is returned, we can issue a refund minus:

  • The shipping cost (non-refundable)
  • The "Return to Sender" fee charged by DHL
  • Any additional customs fees imposed by your country

Important: Refusing to pay customs charges can be very costly, as DHL’s return fees are often high. We strongly recommend checking with your local customs office before refusing a shipment.

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