How will the recently implemented tariffs affect your doll collecting?

Just placed an order with Volks Japan, as I finally decidied that I wanted to get it in before things got any screwier regarding international shipping. Because of the exchange rate with the yen, it's looking like it should still come in lower than the cost of ordering the same doll parts from Volks USA. Now, clothing I think I'll need to do all from Volks USA, as I read elsewhere that most of those are made in China and so would have the rate for China, rather than Japan.

 

If you are ordering from Volks USA you won’t have to pay tariffs directly. Their warehouse is in LA and they would have been the ones paying the tariffs already (regardless of where they came from) since they were the importer. That’s not to say the cost won’t be worked into the final price somehow, but you as a customer won’t be paying an extra charge directly.

 

Yeah, with tariffs on clothes and shoes, it's only ordering from the Japanese site where I'm concerned with getting the extra charges direct to me. Now, the next thing with my Japan order is waiting to see how long it takes to get picked up by DHL and delivered.

 

I said "oh, no" out loud when I got this email, just from the subject line. Sharing for anyone who isn't on Volks USA's mailing list, which I suspect is at least some people...

We regret to inform everyone that we will have to postpone the release in the upcoming Hometown Dolpa Osaka 10 Outfit Collection.

Despite our best efforts, we have received notice that our shipment was returned to Japan due to recent changes in international shipping regulations.

We understand that this news is disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this has caused.

We appreciate your patience and continued support of VOLKS USA.

We’ll provide a new estimated release date as soon as possible and keep you informed of any updates.

Thank you very much for your understanding.
- The VOLKS USA Team
​

I feel bad for the Volks staffers; they must have been very careful, and it was still turned back...

 

Happy to report my SartoriaJ package arrived safe and sound yesterday via USPS and didn’t get charged anything. P: I think I just got lucky because the package got into the states before the cut off date. If I do any further doll-centric purchases in the future, I imagine I’ll be doing group orders with friends rather than solo-purchases.

@Ayaka That sucks about VolksUSA’s goods not making it into the states. D: Hopefully they’ll be able to figure something out.

 

My big order from LegendDoll arrived today. It was shipped SF Express and arrived through USPS. It was about a $300+ order, and I was not charged any tariffs as Erica had promised.

 

Yes, I did. It arrived quite quickly (paid Saturday, arrived Tuesday after Labor Day), but I did have to pay a tariff invoice before it was delivered. I tracked the package until it showed a fee was due. After clicking the provided link I was brought to the payment page. Paypal was an option. The fee included the $17 broker charge from DHL I've been reading about, plus roughly 15% for the actual item.

For reference, it was an outfit (15000 yen). Mandarake shipping was 4000 yen. The tariff charges on the receipt (in US dollars):

REGULATORY CHARGES
1.31
IMPORT EXPORT DUTIES
15.67
DUTY TAX PROCESSING
17.00

Hope this is helpful. I was afraid to enter the Volks Japan lottery because I wasn't sure about the fees for a more expensive item. The tariffs would likely eat into most of the savings from the exchange rate. I will probably buy a lot less internationally, and likely not a doll or more expensive item for now Good for my wallet though.

 

@Lily, a couple questions -- does DHL require that you have an account with them in order to pay the tariff charges? And can credit cards be used for payment?

 

Won a very cute MSD on ebay auctions for a very low price and didn't notice seller was in Korea. She had shipping set up to $10 only so she had to message me about the shipping situation.
I'm lucky she was willing to send the doll to the Philippines instead. It'll be a while before I can pick her up but my friend is babysitting

 

Hi @beamlette, I don't have an account, but my email and phone number get notifications when I use them. Yes you can use credit cards if I remember correctly.

Also, I meant to share this earlier, this is what showed when tracking (in relation to tariffs):

"On hold awaiting for payment of shipment related fees"

After paying the tariff:

"Payment is received and recorded for shipment related fees"

The package was still in Japan at this point, it then proceeded as normal on to the US.

 

@Lily, thank you for your answer! Before the tariff tizzy, I chose to receive packages from Volks Japan using DHL, and they never required an account with them to receive notifications and make delivery instructions.

Unlike UPS; they barely let you follow package tracking without a UPS account, and every other service requires a UPS account. I get so tired of making accounts that could be compromised in future

 

I don't currently have any incoming international packages, but I talked to the employee at my local post office for USPS. She said she hasn't really dealt with any tariff payments yet, but when they get one, it will show up when they scan it that fees are owed, and you can pay it when you pick up the package. She didn't say if you could pay online/by phone, but there was a line behind me and she was the only employee there, so I didn't have a lot of time to talk about it. Sounds like a pain in the butt if I have to go pick things up in person, since I'm in a small town with short PO hours (9-4 on weekdays, 830-1030am on Saturdays).

 

Update for Australian/Canadian/other folks who have to use Zonos: it seems you will have to charge the buyer the tariff fees as Zonos requires you to pay them, and you must add a payment method before you can send any items.

To quote, "Zonos is able to collect duties from you and remit them directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on your behalf, fulfilling the requirement for prepaid duties on postal shipments under $800 USD."

It seems likely there will be double-dipping from both senders and receivers as I feared...

Edit: Zonos's website is also not mobile-friendly, so if you have to use it, get your computer booted up

 

Was going to buy my grail doll from an international buyer, but the tariffs had me backing out of the sale. I'm not buying anything until the tariff situation dies down. Things have really gone downhill in the past month and I have to budget in a way where I have to take into account the rising cost of medication+food.

 

So, update on the two heads I ordered through DollSphere:

1. The Yanwen tracking number I was given started with UK and ended with YP, which is not what I'm used to.
2. I was able to track the package all the way to delivery via 17track, but that number never showed up in the USPS system, despite 17track being able to tell me it was in their possession for half that time.
3. Only because I signed up for Informed Delivery did I get an email this morning letting me know USPS's tracking number for it.
4. The box was left in my mailbox with no mention of additional charges, possibly because the only visible shipping address was a warehouse in CA?
5. The entire process seems to have taken 10 days.

In other words, unless something else happens, it was surprisingly not an issue, though it would have been nice to have had the other tracking number earlier.

Bonus: I also received a small packet from Japan (a collectible trading card) sent via Orange Connex today that I'd expected to be my first test of the tariffs. It also was placed in the mailbox with no mention of additional charges, and also only had a US address visibly listed as its origin. (Also a surprise, because my tracking for that one says it's still in a hub miles away.)

Hope that information is useful to somebody!


Edit: Doing some belated poking around, it looks like Universal Parcel Tracking - Global Package Tracking might have given me a working USPS tracking number earlier, but NOT the same one USPS gave me.

 

I have the 17track app. When I get packages from China (from a large distributor) they always come with a US address and no tariffs. And on the app, I scroll down to the bottom and hit “More info” with a “copy” button for the USPS tracking number once it has arrived in the US. If the “more info” link doesn’t work after days of looking for one, that means there is no tracking in the US. And the package arrives as a surprise.

 

My package from Volks is incoming and I got my duty payment notification today from DHL, both via text and e-mail, so I could confirm the request was legit. Total paid including the DHL fee was $59.87, and totaling everything up, I confirmed I still saved money versus ordering the same parts off Volks USA.

 

Hi all! I thought this group might be an OK place to post as we all buy lots of BJD goodies from around the world. Is anyone else waiting for international EMS packages shipped to USA right before the end of de minimis / halt of EMS shipments? Have you received your packages? I had a package (it was over the de minimis) sent from Japan on the last day before they stopped services to USA (August 26). Unfortunately . . . it is now in US customs and they have not been of much help. Has not updated in nearly 2 weeks so I am on pins and needles. I know it could take up 45 days to clear, so not sure what to do as honestly, my packages usually clear within 24 ~ 48 hours. I started a missing mail search about a week ago.
I had a nearly identical package sent from the same sender about 2 weeks earlier and it arrived very quickly with no issues. Wondering if USPS is holding a lot of packages due to the new customs requirements.
Super scared on this one! I've received packages through DHL, SF Express, and UPS. I did have to pay duties on some.

 

I am waiting for my Rainman Solen head shipped from South Korea. It was shipped EMS premium since regular EMS has been suspended. I paid an extra $7 for the upgrade. I was given a tracking number for EMS Premium and another for UPS which allowed me to track it after landing in AK. Then it went to UPS in Kentucky. UPS Customs was there. This morning I got a notice at the UPS website, that I owed an import tax of $22.50 which I paid on the website with PayPal. The value declared was $50. I later noticed my 17track app also gave me notice that money was due. My receipt was from the website and noted on my 17track app. I didn’t receive an email or text message. It is expected here tomorrow.

 

I just paid my second bill for tariffs on this time doll clothes. Lucky for me the seller lowered value, but it's seems I paid for 3 parts. PGA disclaim fee, Disbursement Fee and Duty Amount. In order they were $1.00. $14.00 and $1.80. UPS sent me a written out bill and I went to UPS.com/billing. Had to make a new account as old one expired. Although I could have gone to UPS.com/guestpay/us. But have a feeling I want a paper trail. So made the account. Paid $16.80 via PP as don't want CC info on their site. Gave them only info required. So UPS and DHL are only ones I have had to deal with Tariffs. As long as I can get USPS to do my incoming I think I am okay. I for sure am only dealing with sellers in USA or companies I know will help with this.

 

@seraphicdolls I had a package reach US Customs in LA on August 26. It took two full weeks to clear customs and be released. The package is thankfully out for delivery today! It took a total of 24 days to get to me! I think there was a huge backlog of packages arriving just before the 29th, and customs got behind. I’ve also read that LA is known for taking up to two weeks to clear a package.

 

Yes. I have had packages languish in LA in the past. Also Chicago.

 

Mine is going through New York. So glad you finally got your package! Don't have any news yet - last update for mine was the 29th with USPS tracking / or 30th with Japan Post tracking as it was in NY customs. I think I'm on day 21 of it being in transit so perhaps if I am lucky, by the end of this week it will show up . . .
Did you have to pay any duties on your package?

 

Thankfully, I didn’t have to pay any tariffs! I won’t be so lucky on my next package from Japan. A pre order that was made way before the tariffs were implemented. I’m still waiting for shipping to resume ( so far it’s been 16 days). I just try to forget about it. I really hope your package gets out of customs and has a speedy trip to you!

 

My Withdoll that I ordered pre Korea tariffs is coming today via UPS.

Interestingly, the email said I owed $54 total. But when I signed in to pay the fee, it changed to $42. Not mad, just confused. And something to consider.

 

This happened with me too, with my order I posted a page or two back! There was about a $10 difference between how much the email from UPS told me and the actual bill on the UPS website. I ended up paying less on the website than what I was told I owed in my email.

 

Yes! I must have missed your post. It was very bizarre, seeing it change when I logged in. Wonder if it would have stayed the same as the email if I hadn't.

Got a chance to look at my package, and Withdoll declared it at $180. So the $27 actual tariff was correct (15%) and then I guess they decided to charge $1 per percentage for brokerage fees for folks with an account.

 

Latest on the Solen head shipped from South Korea UPS premium, entering through Alaska. After I paid the import tax (called tariff), I got a notice both on the website for an estimated delivery of 9/15. Then on 9/16 it changed to 9/16, then on 9/17 “we will let you know.”
Today 9/18, it says on the UPS website the estimate is now 9/19 and it made it through customs in Louisville, Kentucky (I live in Massachusetts). 17track hasn’t updated.

My guess is the original estimate was automated from when there was de minimus. And the processing in various hubs will now take days vs. hours.

 

Received package from Luts today dropped off by UPS. Was surprised by the delivery since I only got the shipping notice two days ago. So far haven’t heard anything about additional fees. Have other people been charged after receiving their packages? I’d been holding off on ordering anything else until this package arrived since I was worried about tariffs but now I’m considering it again.

 

The Doll I have bought secondhand from a seller in the US, finally got back to seller last week (from USPS, was send the 6/6 this year), it have been back and forth for over 3 month within the US ( im in Denmark, EU). unfortunately no one I know from other country's would like to help receive and send the doll to me. So seller and I gave up, I have gotten my money back .
So at least be wary when US seller send dolls to EU, and maybe don't use USPS . I Have an order with Denverdoll but they use UPS, and so fare no problems. I will keep updates when my head from them, is shipping later this year.

 

Yanwen is often used to bulk ship in a container (or partial) many small packages and on arrival the US broker relabels for domestic delivery. their site often gives the "last mile" tracking which should be the USPS# or once in a while it's a smartpost via FedEx, UPS or OnTrac. Sometimes 17Track shows the last mile# but you have to expand the whole trace and scroll down since you lose a day in transit, the dates are offset in the "past".

here's the link if anyone needs it: Yanwen track link

i've still 3 smaller orders outstanding here's hoping things stabilise soon.
good wishes to the lost mail and incoming shipment folks. may all your goodies make it safely home

 

Yes you can get charged tarriff fees after receiving an item. At least for DHL. UPS may be similar as it's also a private courier.

Volks sent two dolls to me via DHL Express. Shipped out on the Aug 27. Received Aug 29. I didn't pay and fees or tariffs to release it from customs. I was surprised and quite pleased, BUT 3 weeks later I receive an invoice in the mail to pay almost $200 in tarriff/fees...

 

Not much for sure, not buying out of the country, so will have to look into the USA market. Maybe for second-hand buying or just not buying anything until I can save up more, or if possible, understand the tariffs better.

 

I received my first bill today. Luts package from ups. Package delivered 9/8. Bill received 9/20.

 

If you don't mind sharing with us, what is your total purchase and the tariff charge that was charged by UPS ? I already read about some DHL charges on VOLKS Japan orders already on a different forum and here.

 

Order was 1 full doll (lolly kid delf)

Luts declared at $30
Duty was 15% = $4.50, fees and stuff from UPS $15 = total cost $19.50

 

Any updates on the delivery of EMS packages sent before the suspension? I’m still very nervously awaiting one. Unfortunately, Japan Post wasn’t able to help investigate it either (the sender opened an inquiry). It seems like I may have to wait 45 days, unless it clears before then . . . the last update for mine was on the 30th, in customs (New York) and now radio silence

 

I have an SD body I'm waiting on now through ACBJD, and though they're going to choose the best shipping for the customer, I'm a little worried of being blindsided and want to start saving now.

Has anyone had an order from Alice's arrive after all of this has gone into effect? And if so, what did they ship it with and did you get a fee tacked on?

 

Thank you for the information. =)

 

I had two Alice's Collections orders arrive earlier this month both shipped out on Sept 4th, one order from the end of February and the other from the end of March. There was no delivery fee at time of arrival and as of right now (the 21st of September) no additional fees have appeared. Shipping was through something called SFgate? (tried to check the shipping service name but my Internet is currently being incredibly slow.) Links to the specific wait lists for the curious: Link to Doll family Wait list and Link to Doll Leaves Wait list.

edited to add: name is SF international.

 

I finally saved enough money to buy my dream doll and of course this whole tariff situation hit. I was hesitant to buy from outside the U.S. but decided to buy my volks yumepi from canada! The seller declared the value much lower and I payed the tariffs up front and wasn’t hit with any surprise fees. She spent a total of 2 days in customs. Im located in California so if anyone is hesitant on purchasing from canada I recommend it as long as you go through usps!

 

FYI - I bought clearance items from Moonlightbjd that were in-stock and shipped from Canada via UPS. Saw that there's a fee that's about 35% of the order total...

Edit: It was $35 total (order was about $88)
Only $11 was the tariff fee and $24 was UPS' brokerage fee

 

Out of curiosity, did you sign into their website to pay or did you pay without a UPS account attached?

 

I paid without a UPS account. It was just linked from the tracking page.

Would it be cheaper with a UPS account?

 

Just received a Xagadoll body ordered through Legend Doll and shipped with SF-Express and there were no tariff charges. Very smooth delivery and super well packed! Took about 12 days to arrive and seemed to stay moving. No hold up in customs at all.

 

Sorry if this is not the place to ask this, but does ANYONE know what the HS tariff code for BJDs actually is? It looks like Australia is finally about to resume shipping to the US, with a whole lot of extra steps and fees attached, so I tried a mock order to check the new prices if I was to ship to the US - and it just keeps coming up with plastic doll when I try to find the HS code, which obviously isn't right! Anyone have any idea?

 

@morganatron Unfortunately "plastic doll" seems to be the closest category – I think BJDs still go in the "toy" category despite being a collectible for adults, as scale models also go in this category.
I think the HS code is 9503. I found this on DFAT which might be helpful: Free Trade Agreement Portal

I'm also trying to work out if Zonos's tariff calculations cover all the fees, or if AusPost is also going to tack on a handling fee...

 

Thank you!!! So it looks like they still fit in the toy category, oh well. I've been reading the Australia Post update they just released, and I don't think they have an extra fee, only the Zonos stuff as far as I can tell? But I'm not sure if there's more fees at the US end. In theory not, but it's very unclear. I haven't worked put yet if things can be posted now or only after 7th October as well - I think it's only after 7th October for non business customers, so I have no idea where that leaves you if you're just trying to sell a doll or doll bits, not as an actual business. The confusion continues...

 

@morganatron Thank you for the clarification on potential fees – I knew a handling fee would be involved from the previous AusPost updates, but I wasn't sure if Zonos would include that in their calculations for tariffs or if that would be on top of that.
I have an AusPost business account – I got one when I started selling things on here and eBay, and you don't need an ABN to have one – so in theory I can send things as of tomorrow, but it's certainly going to be murky waters ahead...

 

Seems like that might be the case. They were going to charge me $54 altogether and then after I signed in, changed to $42. Another person two(?) pages ago had the same thing happen.

 

Not much, because I'm currently trying to save up money. I had to pay a bit extra for the tariffs on Ehecatl, though.

Honestly, by the time things settle down financially and I can afford to buy a doll again, the tariffs may even be lifted.

 

I'm in the US and received a pair of eyes from Poland recently after calculating that I was ok with paying the additional fees, but none were added on when I went to pick them up from the post office. I'm not sure if the seller paid them ahead of time or it's just more inconsistent application of the tariffs, but it was through etsy originally.

 

I had ordered a wig from Ukraine in August, the seller contacted me a couple of times letting me know that shipments to the US had been suspended. She eventually just refunded me and canceled the order. There's too much uncertainty in all of this, and I can't blame sellers for being cautious.

 

I paid $22 for a Rainman Solen head to UPS on 9/15 for the import tax and still haven’t received it. Every day it says it is coming that day from Louisville, Kentucky. Then it gets an import scan, then rescheduled. Then 2 days pass, then the estimate is that day again. Rinse and repeat. I called UPS international and they told me it hadn’t cleared customs; that it can take 3 weeks. So I wait. It now says the estimate is tomorrow.

Does anyone know if the shutdown will stop customs since they won’t get paid?

 

Looks like customs is safe.

 

@Mahgiep that hadn't even occurred to me. I have a package in customs too.
It's one thing after another.

 

Interesting!

Out of curiosity, what type of item(s) did the package contain? Doll parts? Clothing (homemade, an individual dealer like velvet*paw, a company like MELODY.C or DollHeart?), shoes, eyes, wigs...? I'm wondering if particular things or manufacturers/locations are more likely to squeak by without taxes or not.