Important: This article provides a general interpretation of the information available as of April 2025.

As of April 2025, the United States introduced new customs duties that have raised concerns among shoppers who regularly order goods from Japan. Many are asking: Will I need to pay import taxes? Will my parcel be delayed? How will this affect my shopping experience?

Remambo has put together a clear summary of the current rules to help you shop from Japan with confidence — and avoid any surprises.

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What changed in U.S. customs policy?

Starting April 9, 2025, the U.S. implemented:

• A universal 10% tariff on imports from most countries;
• Additional “reciprocal tariffs” ranging from 11% to 50%, depending on the product category.

The good news for buyers of Japanese products:
The $800 de minimis threshold still applies to parcels from Japan.
This means that if the total value of your shipment (including shipping fees) is under $800, it is exempt from customs duties.

However, U.S. authorities have signaled that this exemption could change in the near future. We recommend staying up to date with the latest policy developments.

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When do duties apply?

If your order exceeds $800, it may be subject to regular customs clearance procedures. Tariffs vary depending on the product:

• Apparel and textiles often carry higher duty rates;
• Electronics may be subject to added inspections or tariffs;
• Collectible figures, manga, stationery, and similar Japanese goods generally clear customs with few issues.

Note: Due to exchange rate fluctuations (JPY/USD), even a carefully calculated order may be assessed over the $800 threshold by U.S. Customs. We suggest leaving a small buffer.

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Can I still get charged if my parcel is under $800?

Yes — in certain cases. Even if your parcel is under the $800 de minimis limit, U.S. Customs may still apply duties or flag the shipment for inspection if:

• Multiple parcels are sent to the same recipient within a short timeframe;
• The shipment appears to be commercial in nature (large quantities or identical items);
• The recipient is a business entity rather than an individual.

In such cases, the de minimis exemption may not apply.

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What items from Japan may face issues at U.S. customs?

Some categories are heavily regulated by the FDA and other U.S. agencies.
We do not recommend shipping the following types of products to the U.S.:

• Food and beverages – require prior notification and may be rejected without proper documentation;
• Cosmetics and dietary supplements – must comply with strict U.S. labeling and ingredient regulations.

These items are at higher risk of being held, returned, or confiscated by U.S. Customs without compensation.

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What we recommend to U.S. buyers:

• Stay within the $800 threshold to avoid duties.
• Avoid restricted categories such as food, cosmetics, and medications.
• Monitor official updates on U.S. customs regulations.
• Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the latest guidance.

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Final Thoughts

Despite the introduction of new tariffs, Japanese goods remain accessible and duty-free for American shoppers as long as the order stays within the $800 de minimis limit and doesn’t include restricted items.

Shop in Japan with confidence — we’ll handle the rest.