When shipping items from Japan overseas, customs duties and taxes may apply depending on your country. Below is an overview of customs duty systems in major countries. Actual rates vary by item type, value, and country of origin, so please use this as a reference.
AKibaX shipping and service fees do NOT include customs duties or taxes that may apply in the destination country. When your package arrives, the shipping carrier (DHL, EMS, etc.) may request payment of duties. This is the same system used by other international shopping platforms. Please note that apparel and bags tend to have higher duty rates compared to other items.
As of August 29, 2025, the US eliminated the $800 de minimis exemption. ALL shipments from Japan to the US, including used Pokemon cards, are now subject to customs duties.
💡 Example: Sending $100 worth of used Pokemon cards:
* Actual rates vary by HS code classification, country of origin, and current tariff policies. The above is an estimate only.
Select the item value and destination country to estimate customs duties and taxes.
De Minimis
None (ended Aug 29, 2025)
Duty Rate
~10-15% (varies by item)
VAT/Tax
None
Carrier Fee
$5〜30
As of Aug 29, 2025, the $800 de minimis exemption was eliminated. ALL shipments are now subject to duties. Japanese goods may face a reciprocal tariff (~15%). Trading cards are classified as printed matter with relatively low base rates, but additional tariffs may apply.
De Minimis
€150 (duty) / VAT on all
Duty Rate
0-4% (cards typically low)
VAT/Tax
19-25% (by country)
Carrier Fee
€6〜15
Since July 2021, VAT applies to all imports regardless of value. Customs duty exempt under €150. From July 2026, a €3 flat customs duty applies to low-value items under €150.
De Minimis
£135 (duty) / £39 (VAT)
Duty Rate
0-9%
VAT/Tax
20%
Carrier Fee
£8〜15
VAT applies on goods over £39. Customs duty applies over £135. Gifts between £135-£630 incur 2.5% or less.
De Minimis
CAD $20 (very low)
Duty Rate
0-8%
VAT/Tax
5% GST + provincial
Carrier Fee
CAD $10〜30
The de minimis threshold is very low at CAD $20, meaning almost all shipments are taxed. Carrier brokerage fees can also be significant.
De Minimis
AUD $1,000
Duty Rate
5% (over $1,000)
VAT/Tax
10% GST (via sellers)
Carrier Fee
AUD $0〜50
Goods valued AUD $1,000 or less: generally no duties/taxes at border. However, GST (10%) may apply to low-value goods sold by registered overseas suppliers. Over $1,000: 5% duty + 10% GST.
De Minimis
$150 (USD equivalent)
Duty Rate
0-8%
VAT/Tax
10%
Carrier Fee
₩3,000〜10,000
Under $150 is duty-free. However, non-personal use items (for resale) are taxed regardless of value. Trading cards have relatively low rates.
De Minimis
TWD 2,000
Duty Rate
0-5%
VAT/Tax
5%
Carrier Fee
TWD 100〜300
Under TWD 2,000 is duty-free. Used goods typically have low rates. Imports from Japan are relatively smooth.
De Minimis
SGD 400
Duty Rate
0% (most goods)
VAT/Tax
9% GST
Carrier Fee
SGD 0〜10
Under SGD 400 is duty-free. Singapore has no duty on most goods and is very open to trade.
De Minimis
N/A (free port)
Duty Rate
0%
VAT/Tax
0%
Carrier Fee
HKD 0
Hong Kong is a free port with no customs duty or VAT on almost all goods. Exceptions are tobacco, alcohol, etc.
The same system is used by eBay and other international shopping platforms. Duties are collected by the shipping carrier on behalf of customs.
Package arrives at customs
The carrier (DHL, FedEx, EMS, etc.) submits the package to customs, and the duty amount is determined.
Carrier contacts the buyer
The carrier notifies you by email, phone, or SMS. DHL and FedEx allow online payment.
Pay the customs duty
Pay online or upon delivery. The package is delivered after payment is completed.
Package is delivered
After duty payment, delivery usually occurs within 1-2 days.
Q. Who pays the customs duty?
By customs regulations in the destination country, the buyer (recipient) is responsible for payment. This is the same on other sites, where it appears as "Import charges" or "duties."
Q. Are there countries with no customs duty?
Hong Kong is a free port with almost no duties. Australia (under AUD $1,000), Singapore (under SGD 400), and South Korea (under $150) also have exemptions.
Q. Can I know the exact duty amount in advance?
Unfortunately, the exact amount cannot be confirmed until the package reaches customs. The calculator above is an estimate and may differ from the actual amount.