[Very Important] Follow-up Notice for Customers in the United States (No. 4) - Issued on August 6, 2025

* This notice was issued on August 6, 2025 (JST) and is primarily addressed to customers residing in the United States.

* Updated on Sep 26, 2025
At present, packages to the United States can be delayed if they contain products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, items such as drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and foods (including confectionery and dietary supplements) are clearly covered. In addition, food-contact articles—such as tableware, cutlery, and cookware—may also be covered. When these items are in a shipment, CBP/FDA may ask for extra documents, delay customs clearance, or—in the worst case—seize the goods or refuse entry into the United States. To reduce these risks, please avoid ordering such products whenever possible.

* Updated on Sep 24, 2025
We have received reports from competitors that, under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, U.S. Customs has interpreted steel and aluminum measures broadly, and in some cases duties of up to 50% have been assessed even on products where the presence of aluminum or steel is not clear.
(Reference: “Adjusting Imports of Aluminum and Steel into the United States”).

Because we have not reviewed the reporters’ actual entry filings, we cannot determine at this time which specific declarations led to the 50% duty. That said, if you plan to purchase products that may contain aluminum or steel components, please be aware that such shipments could be subject to duties of up to 50%.

Conversely, if an item that clearly does not contain aluminum or steel appears to have been assessed an unreasonably high duty, please contact the carrier or U.S. Customs and consider pursuing a correction or amended entry, as appropriate.

* Updated on Sep 5, 2025
On September 4 (U.S. time), the following Executive Order was issued.

IMPLEMENTING THE UNITED STATES–JAPAN AGREEMENT
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/implementing-the-united-states-japan-agreement/

As a result, effective retroactively from August 7, a uniform 15% tariff has been imposed on most Japanese products. The details regarding refund procedures in cases where tariffs higher than 15% were applied after August 7 are not yet clear.

* Updated on Aug 31, 2025
Until recently, it was said that a uniform customs duty rate was applied by country across many categories of products. For example, for Japanese products, it was generally assumed that a 15% tariff rate would apply to many goods. However, based on the situation observed since the suspension of the de minimis rule on August 29, it now appears that the applicable duties consist of the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate - namely, the uniform rate applied to certain categories of products regardless of country - plus a 10% baseline tariff, and an additional 15% country-specific tariff.

The Japanese government is negotiating to have this reduced to 15%, but at present it has not yet been clearly stipulated or implemented. Until the situation becomes clearer, we will temporarily waive the Extension Storage Fee, and items will not be disposed of even after 90 days have passed. Therefore, please also consider postponing shipment as an option.

* Updated on Aug 26, 2025
A logistics company partnered with DHL and FedEx has suspended the acceptance of shipments containing U.S.-origin goods destined for the United States. Although such goods were generally expected to remain duty-free, the strict requirement to prove their U.S. origin has likely made the procedures too complicated.

* Updated on Aug 25, 2025
On August 25, 2025 (JST), Japan Post issued the following announcement.

Temporary Suspension of Acceptance of Mail to the United States Due to Changes in U.S. Customs and Regulations
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2025/0825_01_en.html

While the U.S. has indicated that “information or informational materials” may remain duty-free, the scope of items that can actually be shipped via Japan Post services is limited. In practice, only books and documents appear to qualify, and even these may face significant delays or be returned. Please note that Japan Post requires such items to be packaged merely in a way that allows them to be read, rather than securely delivered as merchandise. As a result, we consider the continued use of Japan Post for regular product shipments to be impractical at this time.

Accordingly, our shipping policy will be updated as follows:
1. Japan Post (EMS/International Parcel Post/Small Packet)
We will accept shipments via Japan Post only for shipments with international shipping fees paid by 8:59 AM JST on August 26, 2025. After this deadline, Japan Post will no longer be available as a shipping option until further notice.

2. DHL
From August 26 onward, DHL will be the primary shipping method for U.S.-bound parcels.

3. FedEx
FedEx shipments will be accepted only if the customer provides a valid FedEx account number. We will confirm the validity of the account number on our side before billing the international shipping fee and proceeding with dispatch.

In light of this situation, we will temporarily suspend Extension storage fee charges for customers residing in the United States. Furthermore, items will not be disposed of after 90 days and will continue to be held in storage, in case Japan Post resumes acceptance in the future.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

* Updated on Aug 22, 2025
In anticipation of the suspension of the de minimis rule in the United States from August 29, Japan Post has issued warnings regarding possible delays or returns of shipments to the U.S.

Important Notice for Sending Mail to the United States with the Changes in U.S. Tariffs and Regulations
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2025/0819_01_en.html

In fact, some countries, including South Korea and parts of Europe, have already suspended acceptance of international parcels bound for the United States, and there is a possibility that Japan Post may implement similar measures.
We therefore strongly recommend that you ship your items as soon as possible, or consider using DHL for your shipments.
In light of this situation, we will temporarily suspend Extension storage fee charges for customers residing in the United States.

* Updated on Aug 21, 2025
We have noticed that the recent Executive Order, specifically Section 2(a), includes exceptions provided under 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). Products that fall into the following representative categories may still remain eligible for duty-free treatment:

Books (including comic books), newspapers, journals (magazines), printed cards (including K-pop photocards), posters, other printed materials, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and game software.

Please note, however, that game consoles, accessories, playing/trading cards (such as Pokémon cards, including graded cards), cameras, and personal computers (PCs) are not eligible for duty-free treatment.

In addition, if bundled items such as plush toys, acrylic stands, or keychains are included when purchasing sets of photocards or other products that may otherwise qualify for duty-free treatment, those shipments will not qualify for duty-free treatment.

This information is based on our current understanding and projections. Please be aware that even items which appear to qualify for duty-free treatment may still be subject to customs duties.

If shipment cannot be made by around August 27, we recommend that you consider intentionally delaying the shipment in order to observe how customs authorities implement these rules.

* Updated on Aug 20, 2025
As of today, neither DHL nor FedEx has provided an effective solution regarding the “Trump Tariffs.” If you wish to use FedEx around or after August 27, 2025, you will be required to provide your FedEx account number for all shipments. However, please note that verifying the validity of the account number may take additional time. Therefore, as of now, Japan Post or DHL should be considered the available shipping methods. Please also be advised that if customs duties or related costs are charged upon import, the importer is responsible for payment, and we kindly ask for your prompt cooperation in settling these charges.

Thank you for always choosing 8mart.

We would like to provide additional clarification following our previous notice.

On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued the following Executive Order.
SUSPENDING DUTY-FREE DE MINIMIS TREATMENT FOR ALL COUNTRIES
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/suspending-duty-free-de-minimis-treatment-for-all-countries/

Until now, the de minimis exemption (duty-free threshold) has applied to general goods imported into the United States—excluding products from China and Hong Kong—allowing duty-free entry for shipments valued at USD 800 or less (as of August 12, 2025, this limit applies to the total value of imports per day). However, starting from 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 29, 2025, this de minimis rule will be temporarily suspended for all goods cleared for import into the United States.

At present, no specific announcements have been made by the shipping companies. However, since nearly all shipments will become subject to duties starting August 29, 2025, we anticipate that customs clearance delays may occur around and after that date.

Additionally, FedEx currently requires the recipient’s FedEx account number for shipments to the U.S. if the total value exceeds USD 800 or if the package contains products made in China or Hong Kong. Please note that around or after August 27, 2025, FedEx may begin requiring the recipient’s FedEx account number for all shipments to the United States, regardless of value or content.

For customers in the U.S. who are considering shipment via FedEx, we kindly ask that you either submit your shipment request by around August 25, 2025, for packages valued at USD 800 or less and not containing products made in China or Hong Kong, or consider obtaining a FedEx account number in advance.

2025-08-06