How to pay Tariff and Customs fees for Packages from Japan to the US

General

Customers will pay tariffs on postal packages after receiving a notification from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or the carrier, usually via a bill in their mailbox or an email. The notification will detail the amount owed and the payment methods, which can include paying online or in person at a local post office. Payment is required before your package can be delivered.

If shipped by International Postal Service (e.g., Japan Post):

When your package arrives at the post office: you will pay the postal carrier for the duty and processing fees owed.

Receive a notice: In some cases, you might receive a "Notice of Assessment for International Mail," which you then take to the post office to pay the fees.

From the U.S. Postal Service (USPS): For postal packages, you'll usually get a physical "peach slip" in your mailbox or an email notification from USPS detailing the charges and payment options

From the Carrier: If you use a private courier like FedEx or UPS, you may receive an email or a bill in the mail a few weeks after delivery. 

How it Works

Package Processing: When your package from Japan arrives in the U.S., it is processed by U.S. Customs.

Bill or Notice: If duties and fees are applicable, U.S. Customs will assess them. The USPS will then typically deliver a bill or notice to you, often with a "peach slip" or a similar notification in your physical mailbox, with the total amount owed.

Payment: You pay the required amount for the duties, taxes, and the customs processing fees.

Delivery: Once the payment is received, U.S. Customs approves the parcel, and the USPS completes the delivery of your package. 

Payment Methods

Online: Many carriers offer online payment options on their websites or through platforms like Pay.gov.

In-Person: You may be able to pay at a carrier's local office or a CBP outpost using cash, check, credit card, or money order.

By Mail: You can pay by sending a check or money order through the mail.

Pre-payment: For a quicker process, you can sometimes ask the shipper to send you the shipping invoice before the package arrives in the U.S., allowing you to pay in advance.

Upon Delivery: The carrier may collect payment at your doorstep. 

Key Points to Remember

The recipient is responsible for paying customs fees, not the shipper of the package. 

Check your mailbox regularly for any notifications from the USPS about potential charges for incoming packages. 

The process can vary for different shipping methods. For international shipments, using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) labels means the fees are handled at checkout, while Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) or Delivered at Place (DAP) options make the customer responsible for fees upon delivery.

Recent Changes

Be aware of changes to U.S. tariff laws, such as the suspension of the de minimis exemption, which has increased the number of packages subject to duties.