In late August 2025, the U.S. government announced the end of the long-standing de minimis exemption, a rule that allowed low-value parcels to enter the United States:
– without paying duties, and
– with simplified customs procedures,
as long as the package value was below a certain threshold (historically USD $800).
To help clarify the situation, we’ve put together a simple Q&A and an updated shipping table explaining what changed, which carriers you can use, and what additional costs to expect.
We hope this helps guide you through the new rules and keeps your packages moving smoothly.
Current Shipping Options & Additional Fees
With the exemption gone, all packages to the U.S., no matter their value or size, now require full customs documentation and processing.
Starting from Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Japan Post has announced a temporary suspension of delivery services to the United States.
| 📦 Shipping Information | |
|---|---|
| Shipping Carriers | UPS, FedEx |
| Destination Country | United States of America |
| Additional Fee (UPS) | 390 yen |
| Additional Fee (FedEx) | 370 yen |
| Available Shipping Methods (at the time of this post) |
|---|
| FedEx |
| UPS |
| DHL |
Your Questions, Our Answers
The sudden changes to U.S. import rules have caused a lot of confusion, and we’ve received many questions from our customers about tariffs, customs procedures, and the temporary suspension of certain Japan–to–U.S. postal services.
To help clear things up, we’ve put together answers to the most frequently asked questions so you can better understand what’s happening and what to expect when shipping from Japan to the United States.
Understanding Customs Documentation: HS Codes, Declarations & More
Preparing the Customs Declaration
• FROM JAPAN staff will enter the appropriate HS code and invoice description based on the item name.
• If you would like to specify the invoice description or HS code before shipment, please contact Customer Service.
• The invoice description and HS code must accurately match the item being shipped.
• The invoice value cannot be changed.
An HS code (Harmonized System code) is an internationally standardized numerical classification used to identify products in customs procedures. Every item shipped across borders is assigned an HS code so customs authorities can determine the correct duties, taxes, and import restrictions.
FROM JAPAN’s Responsibility & Future Measures
• We cannot handle customs clearance on behalf of customers, so please make sure to check the relevant rules before making a purchase.
• We are currently considering offering DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping options in the future.
Duty Calculation, Regulations & Prohibited Items
• Duty calculation methods, customs rules, and lists of prohibited items can be referenced directly from the official U.S. Customs website.
Regarding Storage Extensions
Unfortunately, FROM JAPAN does not offer storage extensions, and all items must be shipped within the standard storage period shown in your account. We recommend planning shipments early to avoid any automatic disposal.
Will my package be returned?
Japan Post has begun returning certain parcels sent to the U.S. in late August due to the sudden changes in customs requirements. These returns were part of a bulk process affecting many shipments, not just ours. We are currently reviewing all outgoing Japan Post packages from that period. If your parcel is among those returned, we will contact you directly as soon as we confirm it. Thank you for your patience while we complete this verification.
Check out more about US Custom, DDU, DDP, and more!
At FROM JAPAN, we’re committed to keeping you informed, supporting you through each update, and making sure your shopping and shipping experience remains as smooth as possible.
We will continue monitoring all carrier announcements and customs developments closely.
If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, our Customer Service team is always here to help.
If it’s your first time using FROM JAPAN, you can check the guide here:
