Forums

this is one of the best articles in English for people to get information about import/export Nihonto. In my case, I guess they must have categorized my sword to either       1. 9705.00.00: item of historical or ethnographic interest (etc.)        or      2. 9706.00.00: antique item more than 100 years old. The thing is, the US customs has the authority to determine how much the US government will charge me for importing Japanese swords into our country. In other words, even if I want to pay duties tax, if the US customs say no tax, I can do nothing but obey their decision. 🙃   By the way, about concerns for importing weapons into the US, swords are not a problem. Please read this article from US customs official website: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-329?language=en_US   Although this is an article about traveling in and out the US with swords, this last paragraph in the article I quoted here still apply to sword shipment: "Customs and Border Protection does not prohibit the importation of swords, although your local police jurisdiction might have regulations restricting having these weapons in your home. Switchblade knives* and other spring-loaded knives are prohibited and may be subject to seizure (there is an exception for one-armed persons)."      

Surprised. Curious what category they used that was duty exempt. Not to mention that I've been reading that there is a issue with weapons importation. 

Yes, above $800....

Thanks: Under $800--the duty free limit--there's no issue.