Can someone help me understand the tariff sitch as of 2/20/26?

[Marcin]

8 hours ago, cluckdaddy76 said:

The duty-free code 9706 is no longer free since the old tariffs were shut down and the new ones went in a few months ago. I just received a tsuba last week and had to pay the tariff. A couple months before that I bought a kozuka and also had to pay. The previous year under the first tariffs I used the same 9706.10 code and did not have to pay anything extra. 

 

Jason

Wait for another verdict.

[cluckdaddy76]

22 hours ago, matsuya said:

Do you still have the commercial paperwork?

I may have it, but not sure if I kept it. I had a friend send it to me from Japan and I use DHL. I simply get a message from DHL once it hits customs, I log on to my account and pay them the fee. I used DHL twice last year under the old tariffs using the code I mentioned and did not have to pay. This year I have paid for the three pieces I purchased. Hope this helps...

 

Jason

[Rivkin]

Its very simple.

You put in a description of goods. You might or might not pay the tariff on the sender's side, depending on what the sender feels like.

After that you might or might not also pay it on the recipient's side. Depending on whether the delivery company accepts the tariff already paid or accepts it does not need to be paid because its antique or whatever.

You might end up paying the tariff once. Or twice. Or not at all.

[Gerry]

I just wanted to share a data point about the tariff situation for importing swords from Japan.

 

I just received a sword via Japan EMS/USPS, and besides paying what seems like a normal EMS charge for a sword, I haven't been asked to pay for any additional tariff fees, as I had to when I used UPS for the same purpose last year.

[Hokke]

29 minutes ago, Gerry said:

I just wanted to share a data point about the tariff situation for importing swords from Japan.

 

I just received a sword via Japan EMS/USPS, and besides paying what seems like a normal EMS charge for a sword, I haven't been asked to pay for any additional tariff fees, as I had to when I used UPS for the same purpose last year.

Could you tell us the vendor from whom you purchased your sword?

[Marcin]

3 hours ago, Gerry said:

I just wanted to share a data point about the tariff situation for importing swords from Japan.

 

I just received a sword via Japan EMS/USPS, and besides paying what seems like a normal EMS charge for a sword, I haven't been asked to pay for any additional tariff fees, as I had to when I used UPS for the same purpose last year.

You know that some were receiving custom invoice with tariffs in separate letter?

[Gerry]

I received this EMS shipment from Jauce. It's been 3 weeks, and I haven't received anything from USPS about paying for a tariff.

[Hokke]

just saw this on the UPS site while checking on another shipment

Edited May 19 by Hokke

[anguilla1980]

Being that they failed to respond to me the past 3 months, sent to a specific email address they had set up for this (usspdutydiscrepancyreview@ups.com), I say good F'ing luck on that. 

 

They seem more concerned with refunding large businesses rather than individuals. 

[Hokke]

56 minutes ago, anguilla1980 said:

Being that they failed to respond to me the past 3 months, sent to a specific email address they had set up for this (usspdutydiscrepancyreview@ups.com), I say good F'ing luck on that. 

 

They seem more concerned with refunding large businesses rather than individuals. 

While I have little doubt that certain entities will have preference ahead of we little people, it is also reasonable to assume the volume of people looking for refunds is mind boggling. We have no idea the number of staff dedicated to this process, but I bet it isn’t a large number. So it’s not a surprise that this refund process is likely going to drag out into 2027. So the question is whether or not the amount of the refund is worth the time spent staying on top of the process. 

[Marcin]

Just guys don't wait with refund request until limitation period [dunno If I translated term correctly] Keep all paperwork even If You get under tariffs established on new grounds. Happy for You bring this iron safe and sound.

 

[Mark]

i bought a book from Japan last December. it was shipped and received in early Jan.  Yesterday (4 1/2 months later) i received a bill for $53 from Fedex

 

not sure the options, i already have the package but i guess i owe it but not sure why i am getting it now when i thought the SC threw out the charges

 

mark 

[Hokke]

51 minutes ago, Mark said:

i bought a book from Japan last December. it was shipped and received in early Jan.  Yesterday (4 1/2 months later) i received a bill for $53 from Fedex

 

not sure the options, i already have the package but i guess i owe it but not sure why i am getting it now when i thought the SC threw out the charges

 

mark 

Sounds like a prime question for FedEx, I’ll be curious what they say. That said, it’s likely going to be one of two things. Either they tell you not to worry about and that’s that OR (and this is what I think is more likely) they will tell you to pay the charge and only then can you start the process of jumping through hoops to have it refunded at a later date. 
Let us know

[Mushin]

1 hour ago, Mark said:

i bought a book from Japan last December. it was shipped and received in early Jan.  Yesterday (4 1/2 months later) i received a bill for $53 from Fedex

 

not sure the options, i already have the package but i guess i owe it but not sure why i am getting it now when i thought the SC threw out the charges

 

mark 

Same just happened with a friend here in Florida. Bought some fittings from a well-known dealer in Japan. Arrived w/no problem from UPS and then months later, he got hit for almost $400 in taxes, fees and penalties. With the mess created by the tariffs and the issues we have had with thefts from USPS shipments from and to Japan, I have stopped buying from overseas altogether. Though there are some very desirable pieces I have seen of late on Japanese dealer websites, and the yen is so depressed v the dollar, it's just not worth the stress, worry and hidden costs. Looking forward to the remaining US shows and whatever my US dealer friends dig out of the woodwork or from older US collections. Sucks but it is what it is. I fear that the Golden Days of international sword trade may be behind us. Boo!

 

[Marcin]

4 hours ago, Mark said:

i bought a book from Japan last December. it was shipped and received in early Jan.  Yesterday (4 1/2 months later) i received a bill for $53 from Fedex

 

not sure the options, i already have the package but i guess i owe it but not sure why i am getting it now when i thought the SC threw out the charges

 

mark 

Mark ,

Invoice should explain every part of fee.

Go to Your fedex account, check an email. 

I had package from fedex from USA to Europe- Yes You need to watch out for everything

I will go for longer story in other thread but with Fedex account it's easy to check. You had to pay for something and probably PAYMENT WAS DUE ON DELIVERY?.

If You didnt't pay in delivery day it was credited ... Now You getting request for payment and all is in accordance with regulations.

 

Edited May 22 by Rawa

[Marcin]

2 hours ago, Mushin said:

Same just happened with a friend here in Florida. Bought some fittings from a well-known dealer in Japan. Arrived w/no problem from UPS and then months later, he got hit for almost $400 in taxes, fees and penalties. With the mess created by the tariffs and the issues we have had with thefts from USPS shipments from and to Japan, I have stopped buying from overseas altogether. Though there are some very desirable pieces I have seen of late on Japanese dealer websites, and the yen is so depressed v the dollar, it's just not worth the stress, worry and hidden costs. Looking forward to the remaining US shows and whatever my US dealer friends dig out of the woodwork or from older US collections. Sucks but it is what it is. I fear that the Golden Days of international sword trade may be behind us. Boo!

 

Bobby,

Tariffs are payed by buyer afterall, why big orange is so proud from himself? 

Situation when one "small specific rich group" is a victim for political gain - it's called comunism :D

 

You are living in USA, what does it really look like? Are You happy with this so called greatest political system - democracy?

You have a feeling that all is made to get majority votes and majority is a mass of poor low-paid idiots?

Working poor are not interested in You getting luxury goods. They are even happier hearing populist slogans.

 

Marcin

[atm]

9 hours ago, Mark said:

i bought a book from Japan last December. it was shipped and received in early Jan.  Yesterday (4 1/2 months later) i received a bill for $53 from Fedex

 

not sure the options, i already have the package but i guess i owe it but not sure why i am getting it now when i thought the SC threw out the charges

 

mark 

I believe informational materials, including books, are exempt if properly categorized (HTS 9903.01.31). But I have heard of others having this same problem when Fedex is the carrier. If the package was properly categorized, I’d file a dispute with Fedex.

 

The Supreme Court ruling was as to the IEEPA tariffs, not the tariffs under the US-Japan trade agreement (which probably would not have been in place without the illegal IEEPA tariffs).

[Marcin]

9 hours ago, atm said:

I believe informational materials, including books, are exempt if properly categorized (HTS 9903.01.31). But I have heard of others having this same problem when Fedex is the carrier. If the package was properly categorized, I’d file a dispute with Fedex.

 

The Supreme Court ruling was as to the IEEPA tariffs, not the tariffs under the US-Japan trade agreement (which probably would not have been in place without the illegal IEEPA tariffs).

Fedex forced on me fee for storage. Invoice from auction house and amount payed was different by 25$, it was bank processing fee and as such is being exempt from customs value. Yet this was enough for customs to delay. 
I believe that extra fees generate more profit for them then actual transport service.

Go and argue with „cash on delivery” 

I even sent obvious explanations before they sent me any email.

And yeah I didn’t have to correct any document I sent primarily.

Edited May 23 by Rawa

[Mark]

15 hours ago, Rawa said:

Invoice should explain every part of fee.

Go to Your fedex account, check an email. 

i don't have a Fedex account.  don't use them very often.   I have received email and text invoices bit nothing in the mail yet 

 

 

[John C]

This info is from AI, however I was unaware of the second reason (#3) for a bill. Could be a cause of some of it.

 

John C.

Edited May 23 by John C

[klee]

I have a sword in the export permit process so I ll update this after the end result but I do believe things are back to normal -ish after the cout ruling.

 

I have ordered oil for my swords from Namikawa and finger stones for the chef knives I make and there have been no import fees in 2026. I was hit with a bunch in 2025 

 

This is all through UPS who seem to be proactive about not charging questionable tarrifs now.

 

 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 04:02 PM by klee

[Marcin]

I will post my story here as it is up to date now.

starting measurements: 6x6x50in. and 13 lb of weight at least at start.

 

Ok so about UPS and their shipping fees - depends on store? 

fuel surcharge - 230$+

UPS store number 1 - 950$ to ship it from states to europe...

UPS store number 2 - 1116$ same route

-another proposition from same store - USPS - 335$ but god knows how much more and probably 4 weeks of waiting.

 

UPS store number 1 comment "Best of luck getting it shipped cheaper." - exactly that 

 

Another shipping company option from auction house propositions - 1687,47$ - yeah exact number no mistake.

 

I found SFL their quote for fedex and ups attached

How they cut prices so much?

I have no idea but guys - item in double box 10x9x56in. 7 lb [33 lbs chargeable weight] all inside double wrapped with a lot of bubble wrap reinforced by tape.

Item so secure that probably didn't felt being shipped.

 

Cost? - 450$ by FedEx International Connect Plus [customs service included]

It took 2 weeks total but I'm sure it could be done in one week becouse of starting day was friday, also importers statement must be strictly detailed.

 

I payed taxes and here my little win - I convinced customs that item without certificate was an antique older then 100 but no more then 250years old. [15%/230$ save]

 

I wrote a little poem about making techniques and attached other examples. I mentioned even about auction house history. CITES and CCL was mentioned too.

So after exact 138 emails I got my lot.

 

Item was longer then 50 inches. Yet still shipping quotes from UPS feels like ransom. There was an opinion that UPS is cheapest around for big packages and fedex is good only for small ones. Looks like it changed a lot.

Here funny story - when I found SFL and get their quote I thought it was a scam.

After digging into their facebook account I thought it was elaborate scam :D yet they are lightning fast and professional.

 

Do I feel that shipping was expensive?

Current situation at middle east is an easy explanation for shipping companies even for these extra fees.

Being persistent pays off. Great feeling to get this narrow HS code [9706.90.00.60] recognised by customs without official certificate or expert opinion.

Marcin

 

 

[Hokke]

7 hours ago, Rawa said:

 

I see the declared value of $1170 but there is no line item for insurance in the detailed charges. Did you ship it uninsured or were the charges for insurance under the "service options"?

[Marcin]

6 minutes ago, Hokke said:

I see the declared value of $1170 but there is no line item for insurance in the detailed charges. Did you ship it uninsured or were the charges for insurance under the "service options"?

I didn’t went with UPS. I chose 450$ fedex via sfl, insured at 1000$ (max value in this shipping)

It’s first at second sheet.

Edited Sunday at 03:29 PM by Rawa

[Hokke]

3 minutes ago, Rawa said:

I didn’t went with UPS. I chose 450$ fedex via sfl, insured at 1000$ (max value in this shipping)

It’s first at second sheet.

Ah yes, I see......how much of that $450 was an insurance charge?

[Marcin]

6 minutes ago, Hokke said:

Ah yes, I see......how much of that $450 was an insurance charge?

I have no idea but it was 1/4 of usual Fedex fee or half of proposed lowest UPS fee. Hard to even propose amount in this circumstances.

Definitely there are fedex calculators online.

Edited Sunday at 03:41 PM by Rawa

[Hokke]

Just now, Rawa said:

I have no idea but it was 1/4 of usual Fedex fee or half of proposed lowest UPS fee. Hard to even proposed amount.

For sure, fedex was definitely the way to go for you. I was just wondering if the swing in charges could be attributed to a single line item cost since they were taking the same route, but had very different numbers. 

At the end of the day, each office can charge whatever they want I guess. 

[Marcin]

13 minutes ago, Hokke said:

For sure, fedex was definitely the way to go for you. I was just wondering if the swing in charges could be attributed to a single line item cost since they were taking the same route, but had very different numbers. 

At the end of the day, each office can charge whatever they want I guess. 

Yes but still UPS can’t be competition to one another. I bet that low amount I payed is thanks to contract between sfl and fedex concluded before Iran war.

Going with Fedex as individual would cost me normal rate.

 

edit. I checked dimensions, weight and shiping route. 
Yeah it would cost me couple times more. Even more then sfl show me in quote.

Packages above 50 inches costs a lot more due to this „chargeable weight” package dimensions makes it harder to deal with then actual fuel to ship this weight.

Edited Sunday at 04:01 PM by Rawa