Many countries will require you to pay tax and customs fee upon import of goods from overseas. There is no guaranteed way to avoid customs all together, but there are certain steps one can take lower the chances of imports ending up in customs. Here are a few examples which we apply to all our packages:

- send from a private address

- send in packaging that doesn't suggest a commercial sender

- do not include any invoice or reference to actual value 

- declare goods with a low amount (usually roughly around 20$ to stay under the 22 EUR tax free limit in the EU) 

- we also advice to send via airmail or SAL instead of EMS

Now even though these steps lower the chances of a package ending up in the hands of the customs agent considerably, there is always the possibility that goods will get caught by customs nevertheless.

When a package does get held up in customs, it is advised not to attempt to convince the customs agent that the package is of no value, trying to avoid any fees all together.

Instead the prudent step to take is either paying the full amount to the customs agent or alternatively show him some kind of invoice suggesting a lower price than the original amount. That way the customs get to collect some money and you only end up paying a fragment of the actual amount. We offer adjusted invoices for roughly 100 Yen (1$/1EUR) via the check out process. However, if you decide you want a lowered invoice after the fact, we can offer you an adjusted invoice for 150 Yen.

If you want to avoid going to the customs office at all, the best way is to include a invoice (usually above the tax free limit) with the goods. Please make sure to select your desired invoice option during the checkout process. Invoices over the original amount can be included free of charge! Even though invoices can avoid packages getting stuck in customs, there is always a possibility a customs agent will want to talk to you nevertheless.

When dealing with customs agents:

- call the office beforehand and ask what kind of proof of value they want from you. Some offices will be satisfied with a simple invoice printout other will want bank or paypal transaction printouts

Once at the office:

- always stay nice and friendly
- act casual and smile, try to appear calm
- let the agent play the superior role, act innocent and naive. Do not try to lead the conversation or his behavior
- never rush the agents, take your time and give them as much time as they need
- do not treat the agents like your enemy, they are just doing their jobs. You treat them nice, they might do the same
- be reasonable with the total value of the packages, patronizing the agent by trying to convince him something is worthless or worth just a tiny fragment of the actual value will not gain you any favours
- bring two copies of the invoice, they usually need two copies and you can save them some time, they might return the favour
- highlight the sections of the invoice stating the value with a marker pen
- mention that it is a private import and not a commercial import (some countries will charge tax on shipping as well on commercial imports)
- be honest about the goods you are importing but don't be overly specific, just describe the items in a general manner
- use words like: toy or old videogame, something anyone can relate to but at the same time isn't immedatiely associated with high valued items
- and most importantly: do not show them this part of the page ;)

All these steps have worked for us very well in the past. Of course there is no guaranteed method, that will always work in every customs office around the world. However, I am confident that many of the points above will make dealings with the agents a lot more painless for both, you and the agent.

If you have any additional questions about how to deal with the customs agents, please don't hesitate to contact us!