Here's what to expect.
The US ended its duty-free exemption back in 2025, so like every other international retailer, we can't get your order to your door without customs getting involved. US duty on most of our Japan-made gear currently lands between 12.5% and 15%, collected directly by FedEx or DHL when your package arrives — not added at checkout, not marked up by us. Japan Post can no longer ship to the US, so we moved entirely to FedEx and DHL to keep things fast and reliable. Order like you normally would; we'll handle the logistics.
Updated: September 2026
What You'll Actually Pay
Here's the real math on our most popular Japan-made categories, based on current US import duty data:
| Product | HTS code | Est. rate | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martial arts belts | 6217.10.9510 | ~14.6% | $50 belt → about $7.30 |
| BJJ & karate gis (cotton) | 6203.22.1000 | ~12.5% | $150 gi → about $18.75 |
| MMA & boxing gloves (leather) | 4203.21.8060 | ~12.5% | $80 gloves → about $10.00 |
These figures are for Japan-made items. Products made elsewhere follow different rates, and China-made items usually cost more. See examples by country on our Duties & Taxes page.
Estimates based on U.S. import duty data as of September 2026, sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Figures do not include the carrier's own processing fee, which FedEx or DHL adds for handling the customs paperwork.
How It Actually Works at Delivery
You order, we ship, FedEx or DHL brings it to your door — and separately, they bill you directly for the import fee, the same way they'd bill any US shopper importing from overseas. It's not hidden and it's not a surprise upcharge from us; it's simply how customs works for any international order. We just can't calculate your exact fee at checkout, because customs charges are set by the carrier and US Customs at the border, not by us.
Why 12.5%, and Is It Going to Change Again?
Short version: since Japan Post stopped shipping to the US in 2025, US import policy on Japanese goods has gone through a few rounds of adjustment. As of July 24, 2026, a new US tariff structure took effect. Japan-made goods pay a combined 12.5%, or their standard duty rate if that is higher, which is why belts land closer to 15%. That's today's number, not a lifetime guarantee. We'll keep this page updated if it moves.
The short version of how we got here:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 27, 2025 | Japan Post suspends all EMS, parcel, and small packet services to the U.S. ChokeSports moves exclusively to FedEx and DHL. |
| Aug 29, 2025 | U.S. eliminates the $800 duty-free exemption for all countries. Every shipment is now subject to import duties, regardless of order value. |
| Sep 4, 2025 | U.S. and Japan reach a trade agreement on import duties for Japanese goods. |
| Jul 24, 2026 | A new tariff structure takes effect. Japan-made goods pay a 12.5% combined rate, or their standard duty if higher. No end date has been announced. |
Trade policy can change without notice. This page reflects publicly available information as of September 2026. For the most current guidance, consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection or a licensed customs broker.
