International shipments may be subject to duties and taxes depending on the item being shipped and the countries of the sending and receiving parties. Payment for all duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer or receiving party at the time of delivery.

For United States-bound deliveries: Starting late August, the U.S. government will officially end the de minimis exemption for low-value international packages.

This policy change may impact how Japanese goods are imported into the
United States, especially for orders under $800 that were previously
exempt from tariffs. At AMPED JAPAN, we want to ensure you're fully
informed so you can continue shopping confidently and with clarity.

1. What is the “De Minimis” rule and what has happened recently?

On July 30, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order
to suspend the U.S. “de minimis” rule, which previously allowed most
imported goods valued under $800 to enter the country without customs
duties or formal clearance.
This change goes into effect on August 29, 2025, and will apply broadly to low-value packages from all countries,
including Japan. Even smaller shipments, like your regular orders from
AMPED JAPAN, will now be subject to U.S. tariffs and customs
processing, regardless of their value.
However, there’s an important update for AMPED JAPAN customers. As part of recent trade negotiations, tariffs on imports from Japan have been reduced to 15%,
down from previously higher rates (which could have reached 25% or more for
some categories). This new 15% tariff will apply to qualifying goods
entering the U.S. once the de minimis exemption ends.

While this still means an added cost for U.S. customers, Japan now enjoys one of the lowest tariff rates among foreign suppliers, reflecting strengthened trade relations and mutual cooperation.

2. How will this action affect AMPED JAPAN customers?

If you're an AMPED JAPAN customer in the United States, please be aware that starting August 29, 2025, all packages shipped from Japan, regardless of value, will no longer qualify for the $800 duty-free exemption under the U.S. de minimis rule.
This change means that:

• Every order from AMPED JAPAN, even under $800, will be subject to import duties;
  
• For packages from Japan, the applicable tariff rate has been confirmed as 15%, based on the IEEPA tariff structure;
  

If you’re shopping from Canada, the UK, Australia, Asia, etc., this U.S. policy
does not affect your orders. Your local import thresholds remain unchanged at this time.

3. What should I do in response to this change?

If you're an AMPED JAPAN customer in the U.S., the best thing you can do
right now is plan ahead and shop smart.
Here’s how you can stay ahead and save:

Shop non PRE-ORGER items early while the $800 duty-free limit still applies

Until August 29, you can continue to enjoy duty-free imports under $800. This means now is the perfect time to:

• Stock up on your favorite BAND-MAID CD's, DVD's, Blu-rays, Books and Scores;
  
• Place gift orders or restock essentials before tariffs take effect.
  

Buy in bundles to maximize savings

AMPED JAPAN can bundle orders where we combine items across categories. By bundling now, you:

• Get more value per shipment;
  
• Save on international shipping fees;
  
• Lock in current prices before the 15% import duty kicks in.

With the end of the de minimis exemption taking effect on August 29, 2025, we encourage you to place your orders for non PRE-ORDER items early to take full advantage of the current duty-free threshold. Shopping before this date and choosing product bundles is a smart way to save more. AMPED JAPAN remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition with transparent pricing and reliable service, so you can continue enjoying authentic BAND-MAID goods with confidence.