Shipping a Nihonto to Japan.

[Art Torano]

Hello NMB Members.

 

I am looking to ship a sword to Japan for a polish. However the shipping is presenting a problem so far. UPS (Brown) said it could not ship a sword anywhere. The USPS informed me that the Japanese Customs will not allow a blade longer than 6 inches, much to my frustration.

 

Any advice as how to ship there reliably would be greatly appreaciated.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

Art Torano

[Stephen]

Art id use a middle man ...our Chris Bowen...or polisher Bob Benson located in Hawaii

[mdiddy]

Have you tried EMS? It has always worked for me. Labeled 'Japanese Nihonto' on the customs forms. Calling out the age and harmonized tariff per Darcy's recommendation (viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2299&hilit=tariff) might help. You should ask your togishi for advice as well since they will have to obtain torokusho once the sword gets to Japan. Maybe try another USPS branch too.

[Jean]

Others questions:

 

1 - sending a sword for polishing is considered by Customs as temporary exit. What value do you put on the proforma invoice?

2 - how does your Japanese counterpart avoid to pay Custom duties on this value?

3 - what value does the polisher is going to put on the proforma invoice when sending it back?

4 - Generally, temporary exit is limited in time. How manage this problem taking the time for queuing up before polish?

[cabowen]

Art-

 

Email me if you have questions- be glad to advise.

[Art Torano]

Gentlemen,

 

I want to thank you for all your ideas and I will be attempting to put this sage advice to good use.

 

I can't tell you what a great resource NMB and it's members are to someone that has really grown to love this hobby.

 

Thanks again for your help.

 

Art Torano