Tariff Information (USA)
Tariff Information for U.S. Customers
Updated: January 7, 2026
All orders ship from Japan. Recent changes in U.S. import policy affect how duties (“tariffs”) are collected on all shipments to the United States.
Due to the suspension of Japan Post service to the U.S., all U.S. orders ship via DHL Express.
Important Policy Update (What Changed & Why)
Until now, Chidori Vintage has shared the U.S. tariff cost with our customers by paying half of the 15% tariff ourselves.
After several months of operating under this system, we’ve found that splitting the tariff is no longer financially sustainable. Between rising DHL costs, mandatory processing fees, currency fluctuations, and non-recoverable tariff charges, absorbing part of the tariff has resulted in significant losses on many orders.
To continue operating responsibly—and to ensure we can keep offering authentic Japanese antiques to U.S. customers—we must now pass through the full U.S. tariff as required.
This change allows us to:
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Continue shipping reliably via DHL Express
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Avoid sudden post-order charges or delivery delays
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Maintain long-term stability as a small independent business
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Current Shipping Policy (Effective January 7, 2026)
DHL Shipments
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All U.S. orders ship via DHL Express
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DHL pricing is based on both size and weight
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Shopify can calculate shipping by weight only
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For large but lightweight items, the displayed DHL price may be incorrect
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If this occurs, we will contact you before shipping to confirm the correct DHL cost
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Maximum shipment weight per package: 8 kg
DHL Processing Fee
All U.S. DHL shipments include a mandatory $7 DHL processing fee.
This fee covers customs documentation and tariff submission required by DHL.
U.S. Tariff Fees (Customer-Paid)
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The U.S. government tariff on Japanese-origin goods is 15%
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The full 15% tariff is now charged at checkout
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Chidori Vintage no longer subsidizes any portion of the tariff
This ensures the exact tariff is paid in advance and avoids unexpected charges upon delivery.
FAQ
Are duties included in my checkout total?
Yes. At checkout, you will see:
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DHL shipping fee (system-calculated; may require adjustment for oversized items)
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$7 DHL processing fee
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15% U.S. tariff fee
Why did the tariff policy change?
While we initially absorbed half of the tariff to help customers during the transition, ongoing costs made this unsustainable. Passing through the full tariff allows us to continue operating fairly and transparently, without risking order delays or cancellations.
What if my item is oversized but light?
Shopify calculates shipping by weight only. For oversized items, DHL may charge more than the system estimate. If so, we will contact you before shipping to confirm the correct cost.
Why is there a DHL processing fee?
DHL requires a $7 processing fee for customs paperwork and tariff submission. This fee applies to all U.S. shipments.
Important Note on Timing
Tariffs and fees are assessed based on the date your package arrives in the United States, not the date your order is placed.
Disclaimer
This page is provided for customer convenience and may not reflect the most current U.S. regulations.
For official information, please consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection.