Advice on exporting Katchu out of Japan

[deadreconing11]

Would I need to go through any special sorts of paperwork to export armor out of Japan like I would with Nihonto? I would like to buy some while the dollar is still strong, and bring them back with me to the states. Considering freight forwarding, or flying there to pick it up myself. Flight cost is not a problem, I was just wondering if it is feasible before I make the effort. Thanks! 

[Bugyotsuji]

As far as I know, it should not be a problem, unless it is a designated National Treasure, etc. Are you talking about carrying smaller parts with you, and maybe shipping larger stuff separately? (If using the Post Office, be careful not to mention words like 'weapon' or 'lacquer', either verbally or in the paperwork.)

[deadreconing11]

Thank you! That clears up a bunch of questions, I was just worried about having to turn in some sort of documentation before exporting it out. It’ll probably fly home with me as freight on my own metal out of NRT, packed really generously. 

[Samurai Art]

Items over 200,000 yen will invite a Customs Inspection.
If possible, obtain a certificate of age from the dealer. At NRT, they will not know what is old, and you risk missing your flight.
HS Code 97061000
Description: Antique Katchu is over 150 years old. Iron
Country of origin: Japan

Better to ship: You won't pay any import duty into the USA, but some states will charge you a 5% tax depending on what value you declare. DHL provide the best service, after that use EMS. Most hitsu get broken in transit.

Happy hunting!
 

[Bugyotsuji]

Word of warning. Recently someone tried to import a set of empty, ordinary yoroi-bitsu into Germany. Since the paperwork said the usual 'over 100 years old' etc., German customs sent it off to 'cultural heritage protection department' for evaluation, and they are now demanding a certificate from Japan to prove it is not a national treasure.

[Samurai Art]

Piers,
As  said above, try to obtain a certificate. German Customs are strict about dealing with import/export procedures, which are changing globally as we move towards a digital system. Also, antiques are usually imported at a reduced tax rate, so the onus is now on the sender to prove the claim. I sent several shipments in, and each one had to be accompanied by a certificate. Several professional dealers are now using my KNKBSK service to overcome such problems with international shipping.
https://www.Japanese....com/certification/; however, this service is unavailable to non-trade members, so the buyers should ask the person they purchased it from to produce the paperwork.

Play the game correctly, and everything is hunky dory. 

[Char]

5 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

Word of warning. Recently someone tried to import a set of empty, ordinary yoroi-bitsu into Germany. Since the paperwork said the usual 'over 100 years old' etc., German customs sent it off to 'cultural heritage protection department' for evaluation, and they are now demanding a certificate from Japan to prove it is not a national treasure.

Uncomfortable even using checked in luggage leaving Japan if the value is over 250... 

[Bugyotsuji]

Apparently the two boxes were simply a cheap option for armour display purposes…

[Henri]

On 7/4/2024 at 1:10 AM, deadreconing11 said:

Would I need to go through any special sorts of paperwork to export armor out of Japan like I would with Nihonto? I would like to buy some while the dollar is still strong, and bring them back with me to the states. Considering freight forwarding, or flying there to pick it up myself. Flight cost is not a problem, I was just wondering if it is feasible before I make the effort. Thanks! 

 

If an items is over a certain amount in value, they put it through customs differently.  Items over that value can be denied expourt if the customs inspecteur thinks that it may be culturally significant.  The only documentation that they accept is an export permit that is issued by Monbusho.  The expourt permit basically states that the item is NOT on their list of cultural properties, and thus may be exported.  If an item is stopped at customs, it will turn in to a bit of a mess. I have known examples of this happening.   In some cases for import to Japan dealer documentation is acceptable for stating that an item is a real antique.  For export, a dealer certificate, or even a certificate of authenticity made by the Japanese armour society, or the International Japanese arms and armour society is not sufficient because they only speak to whether or not the item is authentic.    The International Japanese Arms and Armor Society mentioned above not only makes certificates of authenticity, but also files for expourt permits from Monbusho.  This service is recommened for people who wish to have a good record of export from Japan.  Many museums wish to do this because of the changing laws and regulations regarding antiques.  Currently proxy bidding companies such as jauce, smile, etc.  are breaking the law in not performing this for their expensive antiquities exports.  This will likely not last long and once exposed, they will be out of business.  The International organization mentioned above does this for swords, armor, etc.  My recommendation if you wish to file the documentation for an expensive item and have a proper record.