Shipping policy

📦 Shipping & Customs Policy

Last updated: May 2026

🌏 Free Worldwide Shipping from Japan

We offer complimentary international shipping on all orders.

Currently Shipping To:

🇺🇸 USA|🇬🇧 UK|🇨🇦 Canada|🇦🇺 Australia|🇫🇷 France|🇮🇹 Italy|🇨🇭 Switzerland|🇧🇪 Belgium|🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia|🇸🇬 Singapore|🇲🇾 Malaysia|🇮🇪 Ireland|🇧🇷 Brazil|🇪🇸 Spain|🇧🇬 Bulgaria|🇯🇵 Japan

If your country is not listed, please contact us — we may be able to arrange shipping.

Note: Due to customs restrictions and risks, we do not currently ship to Russia, India, or African countries.


🚚 Shipping Information

  • Orders placed before 8:00 AM JST usually ship within 2–3 business days.
  • No shipments on weekends or Japanese national holidays. (View Japan Shipping Holidays For 2026)
  • International orders ship via DHL Express with tracking.
  • Delivery usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on location and customs processing.
  • Domestic orders within Japan ship via Japan Post.
  • Hotel delivery (Kyoto only): Please provide hotel name, reservation name, and check-in date at checkout.

Important: If your package arrives visibly damaged, do not accept it. Request a damage report from the delivery carrier.

Note: Returns due to incorrect/incomplete addresses, hotel refusal, or failed delivery attempts will be at the buyer's expense.


🌍 Duties, Taxes & Import Fees

We ship under DAP (Delivered At Place) terms:

  • Item prices do not include VAT, import duties, taxes or customs fees.
  • These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
  • We do not offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping.
    This means that we do not pre-pay, collect, or cover any import duties, taxes, or customs clearance fees on behalf of the customer.
  • All shipments declare the full product value. We cannot mark items as gifts or under-declare.

🎁 Note for Gift Shipments:
Even if marked as a gift, your country may still apply import taxes.

  • We will ship your order directly to the recipient's address as entered at checkout.
  • If any import duties or taxes apply, DHL will email all payment notifications to you, the buyer, prior to delivery.
  • If the buyer does not pay the import duties or taxes by the deadline, DHL may contact the recipient directly to proceed with clearance and delivery. Kindly keep this in mind when placing a gift order.

🔁 Customs Clearance Process with DHL

Here's what happens when your order reaches your country:

  1. Notification: If duties, taxes, or customs fees apply, DHL will send you a secure payment link via email or SMS before delivery.
  2. Payment: You can pay online using your credit card.
  3. Delivery: Once everything is cleared, your order will be on its way.

For more details:
👉 How to Pay DHL Shipment Duties in Advance

Note:

  • For higher-value orders, your local customs office may also request ID or other documentation at the same time. If this occurs, feel free to email us at info@isono-revitalizing-office.jp — we'll promptly provide any necessary documents.
  • For smooth delivery, please respond by the designated date, as customs clearance must be completed within a limited period.

🇺🇸 Special Notice for U.S. Customers

  • U.S. Import Duty Update (as of February 24, 2026):

    A 10% import duty currently applies to all U.S.-bound shipments from Japan, regardless of order value.

    This rate is applied under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act, effective February 24, 2026. It replaced the previous 15% reciprocal tariff (introduced September 4, 2025), which was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court on February 20, 2026.

    The previous $800 duty-free threshold (de minimis) remains suspended since August 29, 2025, so all orders are subject to import duty regardless of value.

    Note: The current 10% rate is scheduled to expire around July 24, 2026, after which U.S. import duty policy may change. We will update this page as new policy takes effect.

  • Clearance with DHL Express: The customs process is the same as outlined above. DHL will guide you through the payment process and help complete any necessary documentation to ensure smooth delivery.

🇪🇺 Upcoming Change for EU Customers

  • Effective July 1, 2026:

    The European Union will remove the EUR 150 customs duty exemption. A transitional flat EUR 3 customs duty per item will apply to parcels valued under EUR 150 (currently exempt). For parcels above EUR 150, standard customs duty rates continue to apply.

    VAT continues to apply at each country's standard rate (20–23%) on all imports, as before.

    This applies to all EU member states, including France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, and Bulgaria. We will update this page when the new rule takes effect.


📦 Customs Return Policy

  • If import fees go unpaid or customs requirements are not completed in time, your item may be returned to Japan.
  • Return shipping and customs-related costs will be deducted from any refund.
  • We are unable to cover or reimburse these costs.

📄 Classification & Estimated Duties

  • Kintsugi pieces: Typically classified as Ornamental Ceramics (HS Code: 6913.10).
  • Other lacquer artworks: May be classified as lacquerware or mixed media, depending on the materials.

Estimated Duties: View 2026 Customs & Duties Guide (PDF) →


🌐 Helpful Customs Resources


⚠️ Disclaimer

  • The information provided here is for general reference only and does not constitute official customs advice.
    Import laws, tax rates, and documentation requirements vary by country and can change at any time.
  • For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult your local customs office before placing an order.
  • We ship under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms. This means that all import charges, including duties, VAT/GST, regulatory fees, and processing fees, are the buyer's responsibility.
  • Decisions regarding the classification, valuation, and documentation of goods are made solely by your country's authorities. We are not liable for any customs delays, charges, or returns.
  • If applicable, DHL or the local customs office will email or text you a secure link to pay all duties and fees before delivery.
  • Notable upcoming changes (subject to government policy):
    • 🇺🇸 USA: The current 10% Section 122 tariff is scheduled to expire around July 24, 2026.
    • 🇪🇺 EU: The EUR 150 customs duty exemption will be removed effective July 1, 2026.
    • 🇬🇧 UK: The GBP 135 Low Value Import (LVI) relief is planned to be removed by March 2029.

📬 Contact Us

If you have any questions about shipping or customs, please contact us.

If you don't receive a reply within 2–3 business days, your message may not have reached us. Kindly resend your inquiry via our contact form.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring smooth global delivery.