Import taxes in Japan?

[Choppin]

I believe we have some members living / lived in Japan that maybe could help me here.

I’m planning on spending 2-3 months in Japan and need to make some orders online (from UK / EU / US) to be delivered to me. Nothing too big, mostly under $500, some $500-1k.

I Googled this but results are a bit confusing. Can I be hit with import fees? I’m more worried about how to pay them and less about the rates / values. I’m not a Japanese citizen and don’t speak Japanese I would have no idea how to pay taxes if I have to.

One website I’m purchasing from automatically calculates import fees for each destination and it says zero to Japan.

Any idea?

thanks!

 

[Benuser]

Make sure any information you get is recent. There has been a huge trade agreement between the Union and Japan, I believe some two years ago.

 

[EShin]

Rates depend on a lot of factors so I cannot say anything about that except that there are customs fees for most goods over 10'000 Yen. The payment for goods below 300'000 Yen is usually at the time of delivery. Many post officers probably won't speak much English but the payment should be no problem at all. Delivery is 7 days a week from morning till evening so it's really convenient. No worries.

 

[Choppin]

Make sure any information you get is recent. There has been a huge trade agreement between the Union and Japan, I believe some two years ago.

noted, will do some research

Rates depend on a lot of factors so I cannot say anything about that except that there are customs fees for most goods over 10'000 Yen. The payment for goods below 300'000 Yen is usually at the time of delivery. Many post officers probably won't speak much English but the payment should be no problem at all. Delivery is 7 days a week from morning till evening so it's really convenient. No worries.

thanks. payment at time of delivery should be no problem. also I’ll try shipping with a courier and see if I can pay any duties in advance through their website.

 

[JBroida]

a lot of times, customers just pay the delivery person in cash upon delivery... for larger things, they may give advance notice or allow alternative means of payment, but many people still use cash for things like this (and the post people accept it safely and easily)

 

[Choppin]

a lot of times, customers just pay the delivery person in cash upon delivery... for larger things, they may give advance notice or allow alternative means of payment, but many people still use cash for things like this (and the post people accept it safely and easily)

thanks Jon! I’ve been to Japan earlier this year and found the widespread use of cash payment very interesting.

 

[bill_zeng]

Japanese customs are very sensitive when it comes to the import of knives. They have a strong inclination towards trade protectionism.
When shopping online, be sure to provide your phone number. This way, the courier company can notify you about paying taxes. Not speaking Japanese isn't a big issue. Just download a translation app on your phone, and it should solve most problems. Many Japanese people know some basic English words, so communication shouldn't be a major problem.