EMS shipping

[dalto]

I have a question for you overseas shoppers, when buy something in Japan and have it shipped via EMS. How long does it typically take to arrive? Does it go through customs?

[compirate]

3 days, excellant tracking, I don't think customs is an issue.

[rupan777]

Depends on lots of factors, usually a week though. If you're referring to the item coming from Japan, you might want to look into the SAL service, almost the same amount of time (if planes aren't too full) for less.

[luckydog]

I bought some japanese famicom games and got them from japan in 3 days.

[dalto]

3 days seems amazing. Who handles the delivery once it arrives in the US? Do they overnight it?

[jwegger]

EMS is express mail here in the US, customs is entirely dependant unpon how much you have brought in recently, if you are over your import limit and if the customs officer feels like running you through the computer to check. Many times it just comes through. I've bought items in from Japan and not been charged customs and the next month I bring in less and get a customs charge for some items and not others. Where they come in to the county seems to have some bearing as well.

I used to import toys from Japan to the tune of $3000-$5000 per month. One month I got everything with no charges, the next month, I would get a large high value box in and the same day a $25.00 box would get stopped and come with a bill when I picked it up at the post office. Generally it seems that customs is more intersted in items that are delivered by methods other than US mail, like UPS, FEDEX and other courier companies.