I'm looking at purchasing a reel from Japan on ebay. However, I read ebay's details on international trade and it says that customs fees may apply. I was wondering if anyone who has experience with JDM reel purchases could weigh in on whether they have been charged for this or not. I don't want to get nailed with a big import fee that I never saw coming.

I´ve purchased many reels in Japan and I have never had to pay anything, is there a chance ? yes there is but in my experience and the experience of several dozen JDM reels I know the possibilities are extremely low.

What reel are you looking at

http://www.japantackle.com

https://japanlureshop.com

If you are ordering a single reel & have it shipped EMS you are probably flying under the radar. I have never been hit with a customs fee on JDM reels with about a dozen purchases.  

I've purchased all kinds of items from Japan, and not even just in the fishing world, my brother and I used to import some Japanese only gaming titles when we were younger. Never had an issue with import taxes. I assume (as stated above) if you keep the order relatively small/reasonable, you will under the radar and just fine. 

I recently purchased a JDM reel from japan and I didn't have to pay any customs fee.  Not only that, but shipping was incredibly fast. I'd even say it came faster than most items I ordered in the U.S. I think customs fee really depends on where you live. I heard people from the west coast have no trouble with customs fee, otherwise if you live up north or something be weary.

I recently bought a px68 off the auction site. It was in Japan and shipped ems, I had it in my hands in 5 days with no extra customs fees. I thought it would take at least a whole week!

I have bought close to 20 reels from Japan with no customs fees. The most that I have bought at one time was 3 Scorpions from Japan Tackle. There is always the possibility that you could have to pay but I never have.

 

This is what Jun at Japan Tackle has to say about the issue. LOL

 

All imports will be charged with custom tax, by laws, and please pay the tax when you receive your purchase. Tax rate varies country to country. However, in most countries custom office do not charges to all packages, and pick a few "Victims" to levy tax from hundreds of packages imported.

In the US, the tax rate is 5-6%, but the chance of taxation is about one out of 50-100 packages.

Canada, Australia, Italy custom office catches all packages passing the border for tax. Rate is Canada 10-30%, Australia 10-30%, Italy 30%.

For your reference, tax is calculated by the declared value, and the value is also used as insurance value for the package.

 

I have bought close to 20 reels from Japan with no customs fees. The most that I have bought at one time was 3 Scorpions from Japan Tackle. There is always the possibility that you could have to pay but I never have.

 

This is what Jun at Japan Tackle has to say about the issue. LOL

Thats hilarious.

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I guess the only way to find out is to take my chances. 

 

What reel are you looking at

http://www.japantackle.com
https://japanlureshop.com

I'm looking at some Daiwa Millionaire cv-z's and Abu Garcia Morrum sx's on ebay that are located in Japan.

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I guess the only way to find out is to take my chances. 

 

I'm looking at some Daiwa Millionaire cv-z's and Abu Garcia Morrum sx's on ebay that are located in Japan.

If you are buying new, you might want to check out the JDM Sites like Japan Lure Shop, Digitaka and Japan Angler first.

If you are buying new, you might want to check out the JDM Sites like Japan Lure Shop, Digitaka and Japan Angler first.

Thanks for the list. Unfortunately, I'm not buying new, as I can't afford a new Morrum or JDM Millionaire. That's why I'm looking on ebay.

Didn't get charged customs fees but they held it for 2 weeks.

I've bought 3 reels from JapanLureShop and I have never had any problems or been hit with any fee's. I usually buy one reel and a spool of line with it, and customs has yet to hold anything up. 

I've had nothing but good experiences so far. I'm always amazed at how fast shipping is.