Customs Duties

Customs Tax and VAT

Your package may be subject to customs tax and VAT (Value Added Tax). These extra charges are forms of tax that are not included in the Japan Heartful Store's product price or our shipping charge. They will be collected directly from you when the package is delivered, and it will be your responsibility to complete the payment in order to receive your order. This shipping method is known as DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), which means that any customs duties, taxes, or fees are the recipient's responsibility upon delivery. Furthermore, your government may allow postal services and couriers to charge fees to cover the administrative costs involved in customs clearance.

These taxes and fees vary by country, and we cannot determine the exact details. Therefore, please be sure to check your country's customs policy before placing an order.

When the item(s) are delivered to your address, you cannot refuse to pay the duties or reject the item(s). The prices indicated do not include any applicable VAT, customs duties, or any other form of tax that your government may collect from you directly at the time of delivery.

Changes to the U.S. De Minimis Rule
Previously, the United States had a "de minimis" rule where customs and sales taxes were generally exempt for imported goods valued at $800 or less. However, as of September 2025, this system is under review, with discussions underway to abolish or significantly restrict it. This means that goods under $800, which were previously tax-exempt, may now be subject to duties and fees. For example, if you purchase a product for $100, you might be charged approximately $10 to $20 in customs and fees. For the latest information, please check the official resources of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

To Help Ease Your Concerns
We understand that the uncertainty of customs and sales tax can be worrying. Please rest assured that in most cases, these additional charges are a small percentage of the product price, and it is rare to receive a unexpectedly large bill. Most of our customers receive their packages without any issues. If you have any questions, you can get more accurate information by contacting your local customs office or the shipping carrier.

Approximate Rates for Customs Tax and VAT in Other Countries
Below are the approximate rates for customs tax and VAT in some countries that we know of. These rates are subject to change, so please use them for reference only.

France VAT: 20%

Germany VAT: 19.0%

UK VAT: 20.0%

Netherlands VAT: 21.0%

Italy VAT: 22.0%

Brazil Customs Tax: 60% (may include costs of transport and insurance)

Mexico VAT: 16%

Canada GST/HST: 5% (provincial tax may be added)

Thailand VAT: 7%

Switzerland VAT: 8.1% (effective January 1, 2025)

Australia GST: 10%

China VAT: 13% (standard rate; may vary depending on the product and business size)

Russia VAT: 20% (a rate increase is under consideration)

Spain VAT: 21%

Finland VAT: 25.5% (effective September 1, 2025)

Sweden VAT: 25%

Denmark VAT: 25%

Norway VAT: 25%

Paraguay VAT: 10%

Peru VAT: 18%

Chile VAT: 19%

Argentina VAT: 21%

Uruguay VAT: 22%

Venezuela VAT: 12%

Ecuador VAT: 15% (effective January 1, 2025)

Bolivia VAT: 13%

Colombia VAT: 19%

Customs Declaration
We are required by law to accurately declare the value of the items on the package to ensure that your order arrives without serious customs issues. Please do not contact us to undervalue your order.

Since customs offices apply charges to arriving parcels at random, we are not able to predict or control it on our end. So, once again, please make sure to find out the customs policy of your country before placing an order.