Sending stuffs from Japan

Hello:

I have a relative who wants to send me some laptop computer and video camcorder as gifts. Do I have to pay tax when I receive them in the US? Anyone knows about duties or tax for merchandise sent from Japan to the US or know some website listed the duties rate? Please advise. Thanks

titeo123

No matter where you are sending stuff from, as long as you are a US national and the destination is the US, check with US Customs for information. It's really not about Japan. Read everything on that site.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/

You may want to check with shipping companies (Fedex, DHL, UPS, etc.) if they can tell you anything about it.

はじめましてI am not sure - oH i See someone has already answered your prob

During my first trip to Japan in 2001, I considered shipping the items I bought in Japan. But I learned that it was expensive to do so (not even counting the customs issue) and decided against it. I elected to just bring everything with me.

I obtained a box from my ryokan and bought some packing tape and a felt marker at the local AmPm Mini Mart. I packed everything up and put my name and address on all sides of the box and made a handle out of the tape. It came in handy when carrying it to the airport. I had no problem getting it though customs and security (and this was 2 mos. after 9/11).

If the items are insured for their true value - presumably about 200-250,000 yen then I would be very, very surprised if you managed to escape paying a hefty import tax upon delivery. If your relative claims they are used items valued at 20,000 yen then you might get lucky.

Two things - if they get lost or damaged in transit you're both screwed and then there's the fact your relative has actually made a false statement with the intention of deceiving US customs. I don't know how seriously they take this sort of thing - here in Japan it's very much 'what the eye doesn't see the Devil won't write home about'. When my suppliers are honest I end up paying taxes, when they're not - I laugh all the way to the bank.

Why not try sending the camera first. Value it at 20,000 yen. See what happens.

--