My packages got mailed by EMS (Japan post) so it got delivered by USPS, the invoice came along with package, they delivered to my house and I paid by personal checks. If you couldn't pay when they deliver, you can come to post office and pay later then pick up the package. Basically you can't get the package without paying if there's invoices from customs.if you want to protest there's 2 ways : 1) you pay and get the package then send them info about the sale for them to re-evaluate the value 2) you don't pay but provide infos to USPS and they will send them out to customs office and hold your package til they get decision from customs.
Custom/duty/import fees from Japan to USA
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My packages got mailed by EMS (Japan post) so it got delivered by USPS, the invoice came along with package, they delivered to my house and I paid by personal checks. If you couldn't pay when they deliver, you can come to post office and pay later then pick up the package. Basically you can't get the package without paying if there's invoices from customs.if you want to protest there's 2 ways : 1) you pay and get the package then send them info about the sale for them to re-evaluate the value 2) you don't pay but provide infos to USPS and they will send them out to customs office and hold your package til they get decision from customs.
I ordered many items from a seller in Japan and every time they used EMS and I never paid customs. Now this seller started using fedex for some times and I got hit with customs. Fedex charges custom fees and brokerage fees (as the middleman). It was very annoying, they delivered the package and later I got an invoice.
I can say that in the last 3 weeks I've brought 5 bags from japan and each one has been sent via ems and I've yet to get a custom fee.... fingers cross as I have 2 more coming in the next week.
The only time I've ever had a problem with ems was when I brought a big LV luggage piece from japan and they opened it up to look at whats inside but I still did not get taxed.
The only time I've ever had a problem with ems was when I brought a big LV luggage piece from japan and they opened it up to look at whats inside but I still did not get taxed.
I am expecting something that too is coming from Japan via EMS... but it is just under
a few hundred dollars..
a few hundred dollars..
I got $1700 bag form Japan and got cleared with Los customs, got an invoice @ 9% on what seller declare, ended up paying about $145 or something like that.
Even if the seller declare it at lower value, they still could open up your package and evaluate the item and charge you custom fee at 9%. Happened to me this week and had to pay custom tax $550You can protest if you paid lower then what they evaluate, just send them protest letter and your actual invoice or any related paper work about the sale. Good luck with yours
I'm also waiting for an item from Japan. I didn't have any problems in the past, but things can change.
Did you end up sending a protest letter for the $550 custom tax? If yes, please share with us the outcome. I wonder how long it takes for them (customs) to respond to this type of letters.
I did last week and waiting for them to response. Will keep you updated
But for my experience, with Fedex service, they barely open & check your items therefore less chances you get customs tax
I never asked any seller to under-declare any of my purchases. I have also received items from J. that showed the exact purchase amount (including shipping) and others that were undervalued. I think that some sellers may under-declare the customs to please their buyers; they probably think that a happy buyer that didn't have to pay $$ in custom tax will likely buy again from them.
Thanks and I hope you will get back part of your tax fees.I did last week and waiting for them to response. Will keep you updated
But for my experience, with Fedex service, they barely open & check your items therefore less chances you get customs tax
I'm expecting something from Japan any day now. The seller shipped via EMS, but every time I try to track it, nothing comes up for status! Does this happen to anyone else? I'm worried it's not even in customs yet.
I just received an item via EMS from Japan yesterday. I used the tracking number that the seller gave me and tracked it through japanpost.jp, and I was able to track it from the origin to final delivery.
Lucky you got your package. My package still doesn't show up in the tracking! It says item not found. Grrr!
Hmm.. I haven't bought a ton from Japan but in my past few experiences, the tracking info was updated very quickly. Maybe you should confirm with the seller that it has been sent to the post office? Good luck! I hope you get your package soon!
Hmm.. I haven't bought a ton from Japan but in my past few experiences, the tracking info was updated very quickly. Maybe you should confirm with the seller that it has been sent to the post office? Good luck! I hope you get your package soon!
Thanks! I just messaged the seller. Now here's to hoping there's no customs on it! It's a $1700 bag so customs could be hefty!
I'll keep my fingers crossed! I never paid any customs for packages coming via EMS, hoping the same for you