Package processing times definitely seem to be effected - first time I've purchased something from Japan since this shit show and tracking hasn't shown any updates in 5 days since leaving Tokyo via EMS vs. in the past I'd usually have the package in my hands in 3-4 days max.
5 day? I just got tracking updated for the package ship from Japan by EMS since Aug 1. Almost 2 weeks in custom or USPS processing center. Still waiting for release. International Transit Processed Through USPS Facility ISC LOS ANGELES CA (USPS) August 14, 2025, 6:37 am Origin Post is Preparing Shipment Processed Through Facility TOKYO INT D, JAPAN August 1, 2025, 1:50 am
yeah, same here for CA. just got update that its out for delivery after two weeks of silence from leaving japan. processed through japan august 1 inbound to US customs aug 14 edit* just delivered- 80,000 yen value declared, no tarrifs paid
+1, have different things coming from East Asia and Southeast Asia and every single thing seems to be held up somewhere for awhile..a lot longer than I would typically expect my assumption was that if you received a package and didn't have to immediately pay for it, it would be fine but i'm also hearing that later on you may receive a bill in the mail that would be paid online using the tracking/waybill? they might be inundated with so many bills to collect they're not bothering to try at the door as often.. also been dealing with the same held up in limbo/customs stuff from packages from both East Asia and Southeast Asia, all from independent sellers and not really "businesses". waiting with bated breath to see if anything comes with a bill attached...
I've continued ordering from Mandarake using DHL with ZERO problems or jackasses chasing me for tariffs BS. My recommendation - DO NOT use Fedex for international delivery. These slimeballs are playing by there own rules. Sending bills, threatening until you call them back and ask them to show proof that their calculations are correct and they immediate offer massive discount. Absolute theft.
FedEx always said missing documents or you need to use them as custom agent for profit! Inbound they can't make money without extra service charges. DHL is best atm 2-3 days from Japan and Mandarake offer special rates 5000yen. Use SAL 2-3000yen most of the time no need to hold for combined ship. Most arrived in 1-2 weeks EMS really disappointed recently!
Not strictly toy related, but just saw Korea Post has stopped all shipments to the US. I went ahead and cancelled all my HLJ pre-orders (sad honestly). Have a few pending worldshopping items I can't cancel so will have to ride the wave with those.
A t-shirt company I order from in the UK just announced no more shipments to the us because of the tariffs. I feel the need to be snarky even if it means banning... thank goodness we've militarized the police in DC so that someone can keep themselves from being removed.
Mandarake had a massive drop last night - leftovers from the Creature Bazaar show. I might have spent a small fortune - we'll see how the shipping goes with DHL...
I tried to mail out a large box from HLJ earlier this month via EMS, but it takes over a week for them to ship out now. Wonder if it will even get into the mail.
Yeah, I wonder where these packages are being "held." Does it actually make it to a Japan Post facility or do they just tell the sellers to hang onto the boxes? When the EU made the announcement on the 23rd that they were suspending packages due to this situation, I figured "well, the Japanese would have done this already if they were going to at all." I was naive.
as suspected, DHL is back to charging again - Just got a bill. on an estimated value of $557 I am paying $83.58 for import duties and $1.31 in regulatory charges and $17.00 for DHL duty processing. Don't worry guys, luckily its a Tariff on Japan. Absolutes dummies who support this nonsense - Japan doesn't pay a dime, an International shipper out of Germany gets to make money off this, but the American tax payer pays sky high fees for something that cost ZERO previously. I would avoid EMS at all costs - there are going to be monstrous backlogs and likely lots of misplaced/lost packages
