An international parcel was delivered to my door and they said I need to pay 7600¥ (cash only😒) to the 税務署 in order to get the parcel. Didn’t have cash so didn’t get the parcel. I’ve received international parcels of similar size/weight before and never had to pay fees. There shouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary in the parcel. Japan Post website says that parcels from abroad may be subjected to customs clearance fees, payed by the recipient. Is this a new thing? Anyone know what would cause a customs clearance fee this time, let alone a ridiculous amount?
Edit: it is Christmas stuff, so I don’t know what’s in it
12 comments
Depends what is in the parcel. Some items (not all) are subject to import fees. Sometimes it’s linked to value (general items) or weight of the item (some foodstuffs, tobacco, etc). Some items (leather shoes, for example) are subject to a flat fee per item.
On top of the import fees there may be consumption tax and local tax levied.
Whatever was in the package was declared and you’re either paying duty on it – like if you were sent something leather jacket/shoes/something that has import duty – or it was declared as > 80,000 yen and you’re paying the 10% consumption tax.
You should know what you’re receiving and it’s value?
Things sent to Japan above certain value are subject to import duty as well as consumption tax.
For regular post, they are usually randomly screened. The duty and tax are calculated based on the type and value of item inside the package.
1. Yes, package have always been subject to customs fees.
2. It’s not about the size of the package, but the total cost of goods inside. That’s why the prices of goods are also written on the customs form.
3. Japan is pretty lax if it’s something like a box of Xmas gifts, but it’s obviously from a business, they’ll charge.
4. The total amount of the value of the items totalled over the duty free limit.
I just received an order from Germany and paid 3,500 to Japan post — 200 yen of that is their handling fee which is better than what DLH have charged in the past.
The parcel should have a tax statement included which the postie can show you. Even without import duty there may be GST and regional tax imposed. (all three for my motorcycle boots).
Don’t pay – you don’t get.
Yes I think it’s normal. I bought some clothes in the summer and had to pay around ¥3600 to dhl in order for then to deliver it
I’ve had crazy expensive stuff get through with 0 jpy customs fees where I was expecting them.
I’ve also had stuff that was under the limit get hit plus the annoying service fee the shipper charges.
It’s a crap shoot really.
The really cool thing that happened last year was I actually got a refund from Amazon for them overcharging me for the customs fees. (they estimated the customs fees and added it to the shipping costs and sent me a refund of a few hundred jpy because they were off which was just weird but not unappreciated)
I recently had to pay customs on a special stroller my parents gifted me for my new baby. It was marked gift as well. I’ve also never had to pay on care packages or what have you before.
This has always been a thing. I’ve received quite a few parcels but I only had to pay customs charges on one that was of higher value. I think it was around ¥6-7000.
You must be American?
Import tax is a thing in the rest of the world.
Was it sent by fedex…
What was in the package?
Edit: If it’s Christmas stuff and you don’t know what’s in it then the sender either listed items that are subject to customs duties on the customs form or customs opened it for inspection and found such items.