Shipping swords from Japan to Canada

[b.hennick]

A friend called to ask for information and advice. A well-known dealer in Japan wanted to ship swords to a person in Canada. He used FEDEX in the past. This time the swords were refused for shipment from Japan to Canada. Reproduction swords were accepted but not antique blades with export permits.

1. Please post any helpful information that you have on this situation.

2. Please suggest an alternative shipper for swords to Canada from Japan.

[cabowen]

Ship using Japan Postal Service; select EMS shipping rather than surface. That is how I did it in the past without any problems.

[b.hennick]

Thanks Chris:

I will pass on the information.

[Uechi]

I had the same problem with a sword that went to shinska in sept.It appears that for some reason Fedx has decided not to accept nihonto.

[Darcy]

Yes, sadly this started October 29th, no more Fedex. Bad, bad, bad.

[b.hennick]

Chris:

When I passed the info on to my friend he wrote back:

 

Thanks for email and help. Past two years Japan post EMS doesn't accept swords to Canada due problem with many missing parcels and insurance fee.

Mr XXXX has tried to send with EMS.Thank you. Edited by BH

[Brian]

Find a proxy in the USA to receive it, and then forward to Canada.

No idea why EMS won't take it...it is my belief that EMS will ship a sword from Japan as long as there are direct flights with no stop-overs.

 

Brian

[b.hennick]

Thanks Brian:

I suggested that to him but he wants a direct delivery rather than a two stage delivery.

[cabowen]

Lots of changes in the Japanese postal service since it was privatized. I think Brian's suggestion is the only viable solution....Or maybe check another of the private carriers-UPS for example...

[Bugyotsuji]

Any luck in the end?

 

 

 

*****To the USA? Any further ideas? (Not Canada in this case)

 

Japan Post, EMS? UPI? What do most Japanese sword shops use?

 

Just as an aside, is it possible to put one in your suitcase, or box it separately and put it in the hold?