Hi,
I ordered a transmitter (stuff for RC models) from Aliexpress.
Price: 10,369¥.
Today, I got a notice from FedEx to pay 2,900 ¥. What’s the import tarrif for electronics? Wasn’t it supposed to be 0% (is there any limit when it is 0?)?
They basically charged me almost 30% tarrif and it doesn’t make sense. Consumption tax is 10 %, so where is the remaining 20% coming from?
What is it that I am missing?
I tried to find some concrete information on customs.go.jp, but without success so far.
Anyone with similar experience?
3 comments
FedEx charges [an advancement fee of JPY1,000, or 2% of the total duties and taxes, whichever is higher](https://www.fedex.com/en-jp/customer-support/faq/invoices-and-payments/fees-and-charges/duties-admin-fee.html), for paying taxes on your behalf.
If you give them a call, you should be able to get more information prior to receiving the shipment. If not, the delivery person will collect cash, and provide you with a receipt with details of the duties and taxes collected. I do recall they accepted some form of “cashless” payment too, but I forget if I used my credit card, or PayPay.
Just for the future – avoid FedEx and UPS for importing stuff to Japan. UPD. DHL too. Basically use them only if you want things asap and are willing to overspend.
Since Alibaba partnered with Sagawa, there are a lot of Aliexpress lots with 10-day delivery. Sagawa sometimes does not tax things way-way over the 10 thousand yen limit.
Got stung by DHL recently despite using them previously for the same items (tailored work shirts) – Y4,000 …..