đșđž Import Duties, Taxes, and Customs Policy | United States
â ïž Notice: U.S. Tariff Rates Changed on July 24, 2026
U.S. import duty rates on goods from Japan changed on July 24, 2026. The Section 122 global surcharge (10%) expired, and a new Section 301 tariff took effect the same day. The rates shown on this page reflect our best information at the time of last review, but may change at any time without prior notice â including between the time you place your order and when it clears customs.
We strongly recommend reviewing the Current Trade Policy Status section below before placing your order.
Import duties (approximately 12.5% for most fishing tackle) apply to all shipments to the United States. These fees are not included in your order total and are paid directly to the carrier upon delivery. As the consignee, you are responsible for all import-related charges. Please review this page for complete details before placing your order.
đ Estimated Import Duties & Taxes (Standard Items)
These figures are the latest estimates as of July 24, 2026, reflecting the Section 301 tariff that took effect on that date.
| Product Category | HTS Code | Estimated Total Rate | Previous Rate (Before 2026.7.24) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Reels | 9507.30.60.00 | Approximately 12.5% | (Approx. 10%) |
| Fishing Rods | 9507.10.00.40 | Approximately 12.5% | (Approx. 16%) |
| Other Tackle | 9507.20 / .90 etc. | Approximately 12.5% | (Approx. 10% â 19%) |
â ïž The table above applies only to products classified under HTS 9507. Items such as apparel, bags and cases, tools, and maintenance products fall under different HTS codes and are dutied at their own rates, which may be higher than 12.5%.
How the 12.5% Rate Is Calculated
For goods of Japan, the Section 301 tariff is applied net of the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate. In practical terms, the Section 301 duty and the MFN duty together reach a total of approximately 12.5%, with the Section 301 portion being the difference between 12.5% and the item's MFN rate.
â ïž Important Disclaimer
- Not all products we sell are classified under HTS 9507. Some products sold as fishing tackle fall under entirely different HTS codes â examples include apparel, bags and cases, tools, and maintenance products. These items are subject to different duty rates, which may be higher than the rates shown above, and are not covered by this table.
- Classification is determined by CBP, not by us. The duty rate that applies to any given item depends on its tariff classification, and the final determination of both classification and duty rate is made solely by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry. The figures above are therefore indicative estimates only, and the amount you are actually billed may differ.
- Legal Basis: The rates above reflect the Section 301 tariff on goods of Japan, effective July 24, 2026, arising from the U.S. forced labor trade investigation. These duties are applied by the U.S. government and are beyond our control.
- Recent Change (July 24, 2026): The Section 122 surcharge (10%) expired by operation of law and was replaced by the Section 301 tariff described above.
- Shipments already in transit: Goods shipped before July 24, 2026 and entered for consumption before July 28, 2026 are generally not subject to the new Section 301 tariff. If you ordered before this date, the duties billed to you may differ from the estimates above.
- Stay Updated: U.S. trade policies are highly fluid and subject to change without notice. We recommend that you verify the latest regulations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before placing your order.
-
Other fees may apply: In addition to import duties, you may be charged:
- Customs clearance fees
- Brokerage fees
- Disbursement fees
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
- These are estimates only: These figures are based on information provided by customers and carriers who have completed the import process. As not all products have been individually verified, these figures are provided as a general guideline only.
âïž Import Duties and Other Fees
Import duties, taxes, and other related charges apply to shipments to the United States. These charges are not included in the item price or shipping fee.
Once your order has been shipped, the carrier will contact you directly with instructions regarding payment of these charges and delivery arrangements. Please follow the carrier's guidance accordingly.
đ Our Shipping Carriers
We use different carriers depending on the product type to ensure safe delivery and optimal shipping costs:
| Product Type | Primary Carrier(s) |
|---|---|
| Rods | DHL, UPS |
| Reels | DHL, FedEx |
| Other items | DHL, UPS, FedEx |
Each carrier has its own process for collecting duties. You will receive communication directly from the carrier handling your shipment.
đŠ What to Expect: Import Process Timeline
Understanding the import process helps you prepare for a smooth delivery experience.
| Step | What Happens | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1ïžâŁ | Your order ships from Japan | Within our stated processing time |
| 2ïžâŁ | Customs assesses duties and taxes | 1â3 days after shipment |
| 3ïžâŁ | Carrier contacts you for payment | Via email, phone, or mail |
| 4ïžâŁ | You pay duties to the carrier | Follow carrier's payment instructions |
| 5ïžâŁ | Package is delivered to you | After payment is confirmed |
đ Customs Assessment and Appeals
The final determination of the applicable duty rate and tariff classification is made solely by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If You Believe Your Duties Were Assessed Incorrectly
Under the current system, any formal inquiries or appeals to customs must be carried out under the responsibility of the consignee. As the shipper, we are unable to act on your behalf or submit such procedures directly.
đ How We Can Help
While we cannot file appeals or communicate with CBP on your behalf, we can provide the documentation you need for your customs inquiry upon request. To make a request, please contact us with your order number.
đł Payment Responsibility and Finality of Duties and Taxes
Payment of all import duties, taxes, and related charges is the sole responsibility of the consignee (you).
Key Points to Understand
- Duties are non-refundable after clearance: Once customs clearance has been completed and duties and taxes have been assessed by CBP, such charges are not automatically canceled or reversed, even if the shipment is ultimately not delivered.
- Refund procedures: If a refund or adjustment of duties or taxes is permitted, the consignee must complete the required procedures in accordance with CBP regulations. This process is separate from any refund we may provide for the product itself.
- Refused or returned shipments: If you refuse delivery or if a package is returned to us, duties and taxes you have already paid are generally non-refundable by CBP. You would need to file a separate claim with customs for any potential recovery.
đ« Post-Shipment Cancellations and Refused Deliveries
Please carefully consider the total cost of your order â including estimated import duties â before placing your order. Once your order has shipped, the following terms apply:
| # | Term |
|---|---|
| 1 | Post-shipment cancellations: Once your order has shipped, cancellation fees and related costs will apply in accordance with our Cancellations and Returns Policy. |
| 2 | Duty payment obligation: Import duties and taxes are the responsibility of the consignee (you), regardless of whether you accept or refuse delivery. |
| 3 | Refund deductions for returned shipments: If a package is returned to us due to refused delivery, failed delivery attempts, or extended absence, the refund amount will be calculated after deducting round-trip shipping costs and applicable cancellation fees (including restocking fees). |
| 4 | Unpaid duties charged to us: If unpaid duties, taxes, or customs-related fees are billed to us by the carrier as a result of refused or returned shipments, the equivalent amount will be deducted from your refund. |
| 5 | Duty refund claims: We do not process, assist with, or act on behalf of customers in any duty refund or recovery procedures with customs authorities. Such procedures are the sole responsibility of the consignee. |
| 6 | Outstanding balance: If the total deductions â including return shipping costs, cancellation fees, and/or carrier-billed duties and taxes â exceed the refund amount, you will be invoiced for the remaining balance. |
â ïž Important Acknowledgement
By placing an order with us, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
| â | Import duties, taxes, and related fees are not included in the shipping charge |
| â | These charges are entirely your responsibility as the consignee |
| â | These charges remain your responsibility regardless of whether you receive the package |
| â | The rates shown are estimates, and the final amount is determined by CBP |
| â | Cancellations and returned shipments are handled in accordance with our Cancellations and Returns Policy and the terms set out on this page |
đ Current U.S. Trade Policy Status
Last reviewed: July 24, 2026
U.S. tariff policy is currently in a period of significant change. Rates on goods imported from Japan â including fishing tackle â continue to be impacted by executive actions, Section 301 tariffs, and broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and Japan.
Recent Developments
- July 24, 2026: The Section 122 global surcharge (10%) expired by operation of law. On the same day, a new Section 301 tariff took effect on goods from 60 economies, including Japan, following the U.S. forced labor trade investigation. For Japan, the rate is applied net of the MFN duty, bringing most fishing tackle to a total of approximately 12.5%.
- April 6, 2026: Fishing reels (HTS 9507.30) were removed from Section 232 aluminum tariffs, reducing the estimated duty rate from approximately 50% to approximately 10% at that time.
- Further Section 301 investigations remain ongoing, and additional measures affecting goods from Japan may be announced.
What This Means for Your Order
| Situation | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Rates increase after your order ships | The higher rate may apply at the time of customs clearance |
| Rates decrease after your order ships | You may benefit from a lower rate â CBP determines the final amount |
| New tariff categories are introduced | Your product's classification could be affected |
Our Position
We are not able to guarantee any specific duty rate at the time of delivery. The estimates on this page are provided in good faith based on available information, but the final determination is always made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of clearance. Please also note that the information on this page is subject to change without notice.
Reference Links
The information on this page is based on the following official U.S. government sources.
- USTR Fact Sheet: Section 301 Action on Forced Labor â summary of the tariff action effective July 24, 2026
- USTR Press Release (July 23, 2026) â the official announcement, including the rates applied to each economy
- HTSUS Tariff Schedule â the official U.S. tariff database
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) â the authority that determines classification and duties at the time of entry
â Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the duty rate change on July 24, 2026?
Two things happened on the same day. The Section 122 global surcharge of 10%, a temporary measure with a fixed statutory time limit, expired automatically. At the same time, a new Section 301 tariff took effect covering goods from 60 economies, including Japan, as a result of a U.S. investigation into forced labor import enforcement. For most fishing tackle, the practical result is a total rate of approximately 12.5%.
Q: Are all of your products subject to the 12.5% rate?
No. The estimates on this page apply to fishing tackle classified under HTS 9507. Some products we sell â for example apparel, bags and cases, tools, and maintenance products â are classified under different HTS codes and may be subject to higher rates. In addition, if a product's MFN rate is already above 12.5%, that higher rate continues to apply rather than being reduced.
Q: I ordered before July 24. Which rate applies to me?
Goods shipped before July 24, 2026 and entered for consumption before July 28, 2026 are generally not subject to the new Section 301 tariff. If your order falls into this category, the duties billed to you may differ from the estimates on this page. CBP makes the final determination based on the actual entry date.
Q: Can I refuse to pay the duties?
If you refuse to pay the assessed duties, the carrier will not release your package. After a holding period, the package is either returned to Japan or disposed of locally. Which of the two occurs is decided by the carrier or the local customs authority, and is outside our control.
If the package is returned to us:
- If the carrier bills any duties or fees to us, that amount will be deducted from your refund
- Per our Cancellations and Returns Policy, round-trip shipping costs, a 15% restocking fee, and a 5% refund fee are deducted from your refund
If the package is disposed of locally:
- The goods are lost and cannot be recovered
- No refund is issued for the product or for any duties
Q: What if the duty amount seems too high or incorrect?
If you believe the duty assessment is incorrect, please raise the matter with the carrier first. The carrier handles the customs entry and is best placed to review the assessment.
- Contact the carrier that is handling your shipment
- Contact us if supporting documentation is needed
Please note that if the matter remains unresolved for an extended period, additional storage fees may accrue and the package may be returned to us or disposed of locally.
Q: Will you mark the package as a "gift" or lower value?
No. We are required to declare accurate values on all customs documentation. False declarations are illegal and can result in seizure of goods, fines, and other penalties for both the shipper and recipient.
Q: How do I know how much I'll pay before ordering?
We are not able to provide exact figures. For precise calculations, please consult a licensed customs broker or use the CBP's online resources.
As a rough reference:
- Product value Ă estimated duty rate (see table above)
- Plus applicable fees (brokerage, MPF, etc.) â please check with the carrier
Q: What if my package is held by customs?
Occasionally, customs may hold packages for additional inspection or documentation. If this happens:
- The carrier will contact you with instructions
- Contact us if additional documentation is needed
- Respond promptly to avoid storage fees or return shipment
đŹ Questions?
If you have questions about import duties or need documentation for a customs inquiry, please contact us with your order number. We're here to help within our capacity as the shipper.
This policy applies to shipments to the United States only. For other countries, please refer to the International Shipments Import Policy page.
