TL;DR: The U.S. has ended its $800 duty-free threshold, meaning all imports from Japan are now taxed. Japan Post has temporarily suspended shipments to the U.S., but don’t worry—we’ve partnered with FedEx and DHL to keep your ChokeSports orders moving quickly. Order as usual—we’ll make sure your gear gets to you.
What Changed?
On July 30, 2025, the U.S. government issued an executive order called “Termination of De Minimis Treatment for All Countries.” In plain English: the $800 duty-free limit is gone. Every shipment, no matter how small, is now subject to duties and taxes.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) also released new requirements for customs deposits and formal declarations. Because the process wasn’t clear, postal operators worldwide—including Japan Post—paused shipments until they adjust.
Japan Post Suspension
Japan Post announced on August 25, 2025 that it would temporarily stop accepting EMS, parcels, and small packets to the U.S. starting August 27. This suspension applies to all commercial goods and even gifts over $100 in value. While this is expected to be temporary, the exact return date hasn’t been confirmed yet.
How ChokeSports Keeps Your Orders Moving
We’re not leaving our U.S. customers hanging. While Japan Post works things out, we’ve partnered with FedEx and DHL—two of the most reliable carriers for international shipments. If Japan Post isn’t available when your order is ready, we’ll ship with FedEx or DHL so your premium gear reaches you without delay.
- Duties & Taxes: All U.S. imports are now subject to tariffs. Expect to pay these at delivery.
- Carrier Fees: FedEx and DHL charge a clearance/disbursement fee on top of duties/taxes. These fees are similar between carriers and based on your order value.
- Tariffs on Japanese Goods: A 15% baseline tariff applies, plus category-specific import duties (for uniforms, belts, gear, etc.). Thanks to the July 2025 U.S.–Japan agreement, Japan enjoys the lowest tariff rates available.
You’ll receive an invoice or notification directly from the carrier. Prompt payment is required to release your shipment.
What You Can Do
When shopping at ChokeSports.com, you can always check the Specs tab on each product page to confirm its country of origin. Customs rules evolve fast, so if you’re unsure, it’s smart to confirm with your local customs office before placing an order.
Final Word
This is a big shake-up, but the good news is that you can keep ordering from ChokeSports with confidence. We’ll continue shipping directly from Japan using FedEx and DHL until Japan Post resumes service.
Thanks for your patience and trust. We remain committed to delivering the world’s best martial arts gear, straight from Japan to your doorstep.
