Japan Post is now accepting US-bound packages over 100USD (again)

Seems like there are new fines and fees everywhere these days: new littering fines, new traffic violation fines and, if you're planning to send a package to the United States, potentially new fees to pay. Japan Post has announced that as of April 14, the postal service will once again accept US-bound parcels valued at over 100USD, but at a cost – literally.

Japan Post had ceased shipping packages worth over 100USD in August of last year in response to a Trump-administration executive order that ended tax exemptions for items valued at 100USD or higher, but the company has now resumed shipments with new rules.

For personal gifts or merchandise valued between 100USD and 800USD, customs fees must be paid in advance through an authorised app. The app Japan Post currently supports is Zonos Prepay – a step-by-step guide for how to use the app can be found on the Japan Post website here (in Japanese).

Letters, postcards, other printed materials and personal gifts or merchandise under 100USD aren't subject to the aforementioned customs fees. As for packages over 800USD, consult with your local Japan Post branch regarding any necessary fees and how to pay them.

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