How will the recently implemented tariffs affect your doll collecting?

I know in the EU a friend told me customs is so overwhelmed that they just let some packages through. So they never know.

But i agree it would be good to identify ANY pattern we can (size, weight, specific items, shipping company, type of seller company, etc.)

 

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated!

Yes, it could be nice to see if some sort of pattern emerges, then one could plan potential orders accordingly...

 

I'm holding off on all international doll/doll accessory purchases for the time being. It's a little frustrating because I can still make fashion purchases since many fashion retailers are already factoring in import duties/tariffs. A large doll company is probably the size of a small fashion company, so it makes sense that they're not as prepared, especially if their average customer isn't from the US.

I'll more than likely just be sticking to in-person purchases for the foreseeable future since the pickings are slim with US-based stores. I just got back from Japan and honestly wish I bought even more than I did, but alas, I could only fit so much.

 

I know the info is a little late, but maybe it will help someone else? I saw the opportunity to get a couple of dearmine lupy's from the dearmine site in August, completely forgetting about the tariffs. They are both blank axolotl dolls with random eyes, and they arrived through usps Sept 24 with no tariff charges at all to my delight.

 

Congrats, that is good news! Who was the shipper?

 

I think EMS from South Korea has been resumed now on a delivered duty paid (DDP) basis - since the 22nd. I too received a package from South Korea with EMS and it arrived really quickly.
Unfortunately, my EMS package from Japan has been sitting at ISC NY since late August with zero new updates. If it doesn't arrive by early November, will have to start a formal investigation with CBP. I wonder if it is because Japan hasn't established EMS shipment on a DDP basis.

 

I have two packages with no progress after 3 weeks. Yesterday my Rainman Solen head had an alert (UPS) saying the paperwork was late and it was undeliverable and they would dispose of it. Unfortunately UPS in Korea is closed for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) till Friday so the shipper can’t check. Today the alert is gone, it says it had the eighth (!!) import scan, and it was supposed to come today, which it didn’t.

Meanwhile my eyes from Ukraine have an alert from USPS because they say the postage is counterfeit. And to get a refund from the shipper. When I called USPS they had no more info but they said they get lots of these phone calls for the last 2 months.

I also had an alert last week from USPS saying it wasn’t going to be delivered for an Aliexpress package but the alert went away after a few days. Aliexpress says it arrived today at USPS.

Just crazy!

 

I had trouble plugging the tracking number anywhere specific (clicking the tracking link on the dearmine website said there was no tracking!), I'm getting ems, south korea post, and usps. I know usps delivered to me.

 

Ok, thank you for that information!

 

I received a doll order from Korea 3 days ago. The seller very nicely declared the value at $85. The UPS delivery person charged me $39.75. I had to pay by check at the door or he would take the package back to UPS. (They only give you two more tries before they return the package and you have to be at home.) I knew I had been trying to view shipping updates on this package on the UPS app for days but it kept giving me a message that it was "down" and to "try back later." I asked him who to make out the check to and he wasn't sure. He said that maybe it was to the person who sent it. I knew that wasn't correct, so I gave him a check made out to UPS. He gave me the package. So, to sum it up ....
I had to pay almost 50% by check - immediately - at the door - and the UPS agent didn't even know to whom I was supposed to write the check!!! It did arrive incredibly fast - less than a week.
Its not just the money! It's the incompetence of the whole thing! And no, I don't blame the UPS guy.

 

Geez, HALF?
So if the seller had valued it at its true value............. <shudder>

 

Exactly!

 

A family member sent me this, not sure if it's useful information so much as ANY information is better than none...
UPS is 'disposing of' U.S.-bound packages over customs paperwork problems

It doesn't seem like the package contents, or even the customs form accuracy, are necessarily the deciding factor. If it was, it might help international shippers. But if they sent a glassware company a notification that the contents were perishable, so it had to be destroyed...? It sounds worryingly random, and UPS is clearly not giving good info.

I had been considering taking my chances, but I don't think I'll personally buy anything too precious from overseas right now. (Doll clothes would still be a bummer, but if this happened with a doll...!) I also don't want shippers to take on that risk, for their own sake.

 

@Mahgiep you are having quite the adventures.

I received my dolls from Alice's Collections, two big packages delivered to the door by SF International. No extra fees, so that was good news.

 

Oh so good to know!

 

I've been very much on/off when it comes to engaging in the BJD hobby these past few years (busy with work and illustration stuff) but I definitely think I'll be taking a break completely from buying hobby stuff in general (like cosplay or anime goods and such), especially now after the 100% tariff announcement in the US with China. Which I really hope gets retracted eventually.

I have a budget when it comes to buying BJDs themselves, so I usually buy secondhand, but I found a head and a body that really fit with some doll plans I've had for years. I actually ended up buying an Ao Ling Shi doll in January 2025 and received my order in June 2025. Welp, I ended up having to pay an 87.00 tariff to release my package from DHL, so all of that totaled to around $476 for the doll and head. I still feel a little burned from the whole experience, I knew that the tariffs would be something to experience but I did have hope that they would get shot down by the time I got my doll. So I'm only now starting to get back to finishing some plans I've had. I would say that the only good thing is I'll now have to start doing more creative BJD stuff, like faceups and outfits, maybe even making wigs if it becomes harder to find wigs.

But oh man, just thinking about ordering anything internationally now gives me a headache thinking about it! Good luck to anyone waiting on their orders or considering taking the plunge, for the most part as long as it's paid you get your order okay, but it sure is stressful.

 

I have given up on my replacement eyes now from Thailand which didn’t make it through customs (called counterfeit). The first pair I got were the wrong color, so these were free. I thanked the sender and left it at that.

I just called UPS for the fourth time about my Rainman Solen head and despite the website saying it was on the way, it has been “abandoned “ by customs. Rainman will send me another when/if things change. A complete nightmare. Avoid UPS is all I can say.

Please let me know if any packages come through okay from South Korea, which shipper the sender used!

https://www.instagram.com/stories/t...rce=ig_story_item_share&igsh=OWgxM3R1bmptdmJz

 

Hello, I was wondering has anyone ordered from Angell-studio directly and received no tariff bill? I know dealers like legenddoll is navigating that for customers but I wonder which bjd companies directly if any, are offering this as well? I’m trying to weigh my options.

 

I know there have been concerns lately about UPS destroying packages coming in from overseas due to overloading customs with tariff changes. Just wanted to let people know I ordered some shoes (being shipped from the UK) and USPS is handling the stateside leg of shipping. My package was officially released from Chicago customs last night without any notable delays.

 

@Thespian Who was the seller?

 

I've had like three packages coming from legend doll. They've been using sf express I think it's called. Last one came in like 2 weeks ago, and I haven't had any issues, it appears to be taken care of.

 

@Vimes oh great to hear! I have a body coming sometime and I just asked for SF Express after my bad experience with UPS!

 

Just as an FYI, UPS is one of the primary partners for SF Express. I was under the impression that they only handled the logistics and clearance of parcels until the last leg, but their business has changed substantially in the past few years: I know they also have their own private couriers for smaller, cheaper parcels as well. It looks like depending on the service that the sender uses, the delivery could be handled by multiple carriers.

I currently have a doll from Alice in transit, and it's being sent via SF Express, but the latest scan says "US Los Angeles sub contractor B - ups inbound exp."

I suspect that this doll will be delivered by UPS, but since Alice says that the parcels are tariff free, so I guess we will see when it is out for delivery.

 

Oh I see. I should check my past orders to see the sequences.
Yes mine say “sub contractor b-ups” too. But customs clearance is way before UPS gets it.

 

I missed a scan (mostly because there are so many repetitive scans), but it looks like they do clear it, before it gets picked up by UPS. This is a tariff-free/tax-free method (according to Alice), so there shouldn't be any extra fees upon delivery.

I am pretty sure UPS is gonna be delivering this one. I've had one of their private couriers deliver, but that was a budget option, not the express service. Alice ships certain dolls/order values with express, so it shouldn't be one of the budget/cheapie last leg carriers.

 

Royal Mail!

 

Thanks!

 

SO I should've clarified that my previous packages were accessories, like clothes, that new fancy head box, the like. And it had been delivered via their couriers. But today I had a doll delivered and it came via sub contractor b ups.

Anyone keeping track, I have not been asked for tariffs for ups and it was even delivered when I wasn't home so no cash on delivery or any of that or payment requests preventing its delivery.

 

It looks like if SF Express is handling UPS Express packages, they will handle the clearance. I missed that UPS got it *after* customs clearance in my scan (mostly cos SF Express has so. many. repetitive. scans ).

---

In my previous post, I wrote that I suspected UPS to deliver my doll, and they did! I ordered from Alice, and SF Express handled everything up until it was passed onto UPS for ground delivery. No tariffs or fees upon delivery.

If UPS is handling the entirety of the delivery, then I would expect tariffs and duties. Please keep in mind that even after delivery, UPS may send out tariff/duty notices after delivery. Definitely validate that they are legit, but please also be aware that if it's legit and ignored, they can send it to collections. Just something to keep in mind as we are navigating this mess.

 

I have a head waiting to be shipped from Germany to me in the US. The seller tells me she has always used FedEx. I heard they are very expensive. Has anyone received anything from Europe by FedEx very recently? I need to know how safe this route might be after my terrible UPS experience. Also any information about import fees.

 

I have something pending from Lillycat; she shipped FedEx, but she already braced US recipients to expect customs/duty/brokerage fees. It's gonna be on par with UPS and DHL.

Edit: looks like a lot of FedEx packages are being stuck being in customs in Memphis, similar to the fiasco with UPS in Louisville.

 

Ugh! Thanks for that. Where did you get that info?

 

The delays with customs? It's being reported by all major news outlets, but you can also check individual subreddits for personal experiences as well. I have always handled/dealt with international mail... prolly over 20 years now? So I'm pretty familiar with what's going on! (Would never call myself an expert but I need to know what is going on because of the international shipments I deal with.)

As for tariff/duty/brokerage fees, all private couriers where the delivery is handled by the courier has always been expensive due to the brokerage fees. It's the reason why a lot of international buyers never wanted US shippers to use them and to stick with USPS because their local national postal service doesn't charge a $35+ fee for it. Most US buyers never had to worry about customs clearance before because of de minimis, but now that things have changed with the current president, a lot of stuff that we've never had to personally deal with has become our reality. The unfortunate part is that everything is changing so quickly due to the whims of the president and the fact that all of this is unprecedented, so everyone is figuring it out as we go.

 

And all so unnecessary.
We have had a lot of blissful shopping and shipping thus far. I feel very lucky to have the things I have!
Are you still receiving the international shipments okay?

So far this is what is working either personally or word of mouth that I know of:
Aliexpress (has its own shipping)
SF Express with UPS last mile (China)
Royal Post with USPS last mile (England)
Any others?

 

If a company offers tax-free shipping, they most likely will use a logistics company to help clear customs to avoid tariff/duty/brokerage fees. So companies like the ones listed below should be safe:
- SF Express
- Uni Uni
- Yanwen
- GOFO

All of them have their own private drivers, so if your order is not being shipped Express (the shipper will be able to tell you; best example with transparency is Alice -- certain doll orders will always ship Express, but they use an Airmail-type service for accessories, etc.), the last mile will most likely be their drivers. That said, SF Express and Yanwen will partner with other couriers such as FedEx, USPS, and UPS for last mile, but again, if shipped with a tax-free method, there should not be taxes/duty/fees upon delivery.

If shipping by national mail service, it's been reported that USPS is unequipped to handle tariffs, so if someone is able to ship to the US using their national mail service, then you may be in the clear. That said, other than Royal Mail, a lot of countries are still not shipping to the US. I noticed that for a lot of EU countries, parcels must be prepaid by the *sender* to US Customs before delivery, so countries have completely suspended national mail shipments to the US. (Honestly wild. I would absolutely not ship to the US if they require the sender to prepay taxes on US shipments.) Example: La Poste, Post Nord, Japan Post.

SingPost will ship to the US using SpeedPost, but they note that fees are the responsibility of the recipient.

Private couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx who handle the entire delivery will very likely impose taxes/duties/brokerage fees for clearing customs. Expect this to be expensive especially if the packages are not underdeclared. You also may not receive a bill until after delivery as it's been reported by many hobbyists in the community on the BJD Discord, Facebook, and Reddit. (I haven't had doll items shipped with any of these couriers since this began, so I personally cannot attest to it.)

Note: EMS Premium out of Korea is NOT EMS through national mail service, so USPS will not be delivering your EMS Premium parcel; this is a UPS service, so expect to pay duties. That said, most companies underdeclare, so if you pay, it probably won't be high other than the de facto brokerage fees.

One last thing, some companies are offering to prepay tariffs for customers. So if purchasing from someone and you are worried about this, please ask them in advance. Sartoriaj is prepaying DHL tariffs for customers, so if you are asked to pay, you need to contact them immediately!

Regardless of where you purchase from, it's always best to check and ask on the shipping method and if it is tax-free, so you can be best prepared.

 

Germany is still only allowing gifts under $100 with DHL and it seems a couple other couriers have suspended sending to US altogether for the moment so FedEx and I think UPS are the only options for more valuable items right now. FedEx will collect tax/tariff and will send you the bill 2 weeks to a month after you've already received the package.

 

Thanks for updating, I’ll have a doll from Lillycat shipping in January and I’m nervous about delays. Expecting to pay at least 15% of the cost of the doll

 

Mine actually cleared pretty quickly, which was a pleasant surprise! I am not sure if I was lucky or fortunate, but I hope yours will quickly arrive to you when the time comes. FedEx got it Oct 17, and it was delivered Oct 22.

 

Finally after losing 2 items to UPS, I received a head from Demiurge Dolls. It shipped Aramex Saudi Arabia from Kazakhstan to Dubai to Germany to the US. After customs it went UPS last mile. It took 16 days from Kazakhstan (plus a few days getting there). I did pay a 50% of the value import fee when it first entered the US.

 

Thanks for posting this question. Im in Canada and im going to read through everything before I buy my next doll

 

Is regular EMS possible now? Last I knew SK suspended it. I could only ask for premium recently (which turned out to be UPS in the US).

 

Decided to bite the bullet and buy something off Mandarake last week and got my import duties email from DHL early this morning (don’t have the doll yet, it’s currently in Anchorage and will probably take all week to be transferred over to USPS for final delivery).

In total, I paid 46,100 yen (which Paypal converted to $316.32) to Mandarake for my doll (35,000) and insured shipping (11,100), and DHL charged me $54.01 for import duties on top of that, so I paid about $120+ just to get my doll to the country and through customs ahahaha. Not horrible, but not great. xP Thankfully the only big doll thing I need to get still is a body for a floating head I have, and I can hunt for that secondhand in the states. Looks like I’m back to my general hobby pause. At least I still have video games. OTL

EDIT: Oh yeah, by the way, it was very easy to pay my duties through DHL. They emailed me a notice and I just went to their site and paid via Paypal (didn’t have to make an account with them either).

 

Thanks for this info, I've been thinking about Mandarake specifically, so it's very helpful (I think I may... keep waiting)

 

I also wanted to record a recent ordering / shipping experience.

I bit the bullet and decided to see how bad an order from Dollyteria would be as of recent. My order total was 329.72, which included one 1/3rd scale doll and various doll clothes, the shipping (through DHL, to the US) was 121.61 and the import duty fee was 69.69.

It...ooh, it made me feel a type of way, especially since I'm not so fond of DHL for my last package coming partially destroyed, lol.

Unless I have certain shipping options available or I'm doing something like a bulk order with friends through a proxy for various items that aren't just limited to doll things (for their stuff,) I think I'll be cooling my brakes for a bit on ordering anything overseas to see if things possibly shift around a little.

 

@urahara I can't even.

 

Dropping in some info on a recent DollyTeria order:

item total: 30,246 yen / $207.71 (dealer-made clothing & accessories, one pair of Unoa hands)
DHL shipping: 7,481 yen / $51.45 (720g box)
DHL fees: $49.15

REGULATORY CHARGES (L1) 1.34
IMPORT EXPORT DUTIES (L2) 30.81
DUTY TAX PROCESSING (L3) 17.00​

Not great, but about what I expected. Would I do it again? Probably not often, and not unless there were things that I desperately wanted (I collect dealer stuff, and sometimes it's either "grab it now, costs be damned" or "never see it again"). We'll see what the future holds.

 

They’re doing the exact same to me. My package is stuck in a loop of “preparing package for clearance” and “import scan” with the delivery update delivered for the next day each time.

 

I got the tariff bill for my recent Luts order today - just under $20 for two wigs. I've been on the fence about ordering one of the soon to be discontinued dolls and now I'm unsure about bothering.

 

Finally got UPS bill today for my Luts order that arrived mid September. Luts declared the value at $30 and the bill ended up being $19.50 the actual tariff amount was only $4.50 and then $15 of brokerage charges. So definitely be aware that you can receive an invoice six or more weeks after receiving your package.

 

Made my own Dollyteria order just for glass eyes (they had a bunch of very nice ones in stock) and paid $56 for the eyes and then $42 (?!) for shipping via DHL. No tariffs invoiced yet (possibly at all?)

 

DHL's tariff bill for my DollyTeria shipment came after it arrived in the US:

Friday, October 24: Shipment has departed from a DHL facility TOKYO - JAPAN
Saturday, October 25: On hold awaiting for payment of shipment related fees

I paid immediately, and the package went through the Cincinnati hub on Sunday as normal. The contents were labeled "SECONDHAND TOY/DOLL_TOY/DOLL'S OUT". I'm not sure if they would label glass eyes differently or not?

 

@Valentine
Got mine delivered without any customs charges. Labeled "secondhand toy/ doll toy/ doll's eye parts". Used express worldwide dhl service.

 

That's excellent! Maybe you escaped them after all?

 

As far as the never ending UPS cycle for EMS Premium from South Korea, make sure you click the details link on the bottom of the webpage. In my case, for my Rainman Solen head, in early October the package was called “undeliverable” and “would be disposed” even though I paid the import tax before that. Since that message I am in the scan and coming today cycle. When I called (twice) I was told it was being disposed or returned to seller (for twice the shipping fee). My seller has opted to let it be disposed and to send me another when a different shipping becomes available. UPS told me it takes 50 days before they’ll toss it. So now I assume I will get those “coming today” messages for 50 days. I certainly hope this isn’t the case for either of your packages. But it would tell you on the details page. Or if you call them.

Since getting this news, I received a doll head using Aramex (from Kazakstan) with UPS as the last mile. But I’m avoiding UPS as the primary shipper. Unfortunately, EMS premium from Korea is UPS.

 

@Valentine Fingers crossed there's not some weird late invoice, but I was definitely expecting to pay before delivery.

Now I'm considering taking a chance with Buyee.