Customs & Import Taxes

Customs & Import Taxes – Orders Shipped from Japan

Bujindō ships all orders from Kyoto, Japan. Depending on your destination country, your parcel may be subject to customs inspection and import charges (VAT/GST, customs duties, and carrier clearance fees).

This page explains clearly and transparently what you might pay, when you pay, and how to anticipate potential import costs.

1) Who is Responsible for Import Taxes?

  • Bujindō (Exporter): We prepare and dispatch your order from Japan and provide all required export documentation.
  • You (Importer): The recipient is legally considered the importer in the destination country and is responsible for paying any VAT, customs duties, and related fees required by local authorities or the carrier.

Import charges are determined by your country’s customs authorities and/or the shipping carrier. These fees are separate from your order total and are not controlled by Bujindō.

2) What Fees May Be Charged?

  • VAT / GST (Consumption Tax): Many countries apply VAT or GST to imported goods.
  • Customs Duties: May apply depending on product category and declared value.
  • Carrier Clearance or Handling Fees: Carriers such as DHL or postal services may charge processing fees for customs handling and advancing taxes.

These amounts vary depending on destination country, product type, and shipment value. Bujindō cannot reduce, waive, or predict these charges.

3) How Import Taxes Are Typically Calculated

A) VAT / GST

In many countries, VAT or GST is calculated based on the total value of goods plus shipping costs.

B) Customs Duties

Duties depend on the product classification (HS code) and your country's import regulations. Some regions apply duties only above specific value thresholds.

C) Carrier Fees

Express carriers such as DHL may charge a clearance or advancement fee when they process customs formalities on your behalf.

4) DHL Express vs EMS (Japan Post)

  • DHL Express: Fast transit times and proactive customs processing. You may receive an email, SMS, or payment link if import charges are due before or shortly after delivery.
  • EMS (Japan Post): Customs handling may be processed through your local postal service. Payment may be requested at delivery or at a postal counter depending on local procedures.

Regardless of the carrier used, import taxes and clearance fees remain the responsibility of the recipient.

5) When and How Do You Pay?

Depending on destination and carrier, import fees may be:

  • Requested prior to delivery via email or SMS.
  • Collected at the time of delivery.
  • Invoiced shortly after delivery.

Payment of these charges is typically required before final delivery can be completed.

6) If Import Charges Are Refused

If import fees are refused or unpaid, the parcel may be returned to Japan, abandoned, or destroyed according to local regulations. Additional return shipping or administrative costs may apply and are the responsibility of the customer.

7) Accurate Declaration Policy

Bujindō declares the actual value and accurate description of all products in compliance with international shipping and customs regulations. We do not undervalue goods or misdeclare items as “gifts” to avoid import taxes.

8) Practical Advice Before Ordering

  1. Plan for possible VAT/GST and carrier handling fees.
  2. Monitor tracking updates closely.
  3. Check your local customs authority website for current thresholds and regulations.

Contact

Questions before ordering? Contact us at:
bujindoshop@gmail.com

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