Import Taxes & VAT
Import Taxes & VAT
Our products are shipped internationally from Tokyo, Japan. Please note that import taxes, VAT (Value-Added Tax), customs duties, and other local charges are not included in our product prices. These fees may apply depending on your country’s laws and are the responsibility of the customer.
Import Taxes and Charges
In many countries, including EU member states, VAT and customs duties are typically collected at the time of delivery. These fees are determined by your local customs authority and are usually billed by the shipping carrier (such as EMS or DHL) before your order is released.
Responsibility for Import-related Fees
All import-related charges are the responsibility of the recipient. Samurai Masterpieces does not collect, charge, or remit any taxes on behalf of foreign governments. Please confirm your local policies before placing an order.
How Taxes Are Calculated
In general, taxes are calculated in two parts:
- Customs Duty – based on the product type and price
- VAT – applied to the total value of your order, including product price, duty, and shipping
A common formula used in EU countries is:
VAT = (Product Price + Customs Duty + Shipping) × VAT Rate
Example: A €200 Knife Shipped to France
- Product Price: €200
- Customs Duty (~8.5%): €17
- Shipping: €28
- VAT (20%): (€200 + €17 + €28) × 20% = €49
- Total import cost = €17 + €49 = €66
Estimated Charges by Product Type
- Stainless steel kitchen knives: ~8.5% duty + VAT
- Wooden kitchenware (e.g., boards, trays): 0% duty + VAT
- Stainless steel sakeware: 2–6% duty + VAT
- Cast iron serveware (e.g., Nambu ironware): ~6.5% duty + VAT
- Fabric accessories (e.g., bottle coolers): 6–12% duty + VAT
These are estimated values and may vary depending on how your local customs classify your items.
Import Rules for U.S. Customers
Shipments under USD $800 are typically exempt from import taxes under U.S. regulations. For higher-value orders, duties may apply depending on the product type.
Estimate Your Import Costs
You can use the following third-party tools to estimate applicable duties and taxes:
Please note that these tools provide estimates only. Final charges are determined solely by your local customs authority.
Why We Do Not Include Taxes in Our Prices
Since tax systems vary significantly by country, we do not include VAT or import duties in our listed prices. This ensures fair and transparent pricing across regions, and that you pay only what is required by your government—nothing more.
Contact and Support
If you have any questions or concerns about import taxes, please contact us. We’re here to assist you.