Good to know about Amazon Japan
- Direct shipping to Korea: Some items ship straight to Korea. Enter the shipping Amazon quotes as international shipping.
- Forwarders: For items that do not ship abroad, use a forwarder and enter its rate per kg.
- Check the seller: Items sold by Amazon and by third-party sellers have different shipping terms.
How it is calculated
- Cost per item = (item price + local shipping) × exchange rate + agent fee + international shipping + extras + duty and VAT, divided by quantity
- Buying agent: duty-free if the item value (with local shipping) is 150 USD or less; above that, duty and 10% VAT on (items + international shipping)
- Stock import: duty and 10% import VAT regardless of value. General taxpayers recover the import VAT, so it is left out of cost
- Net profit = price in Korea − marketplace fee − cost per item − domestic courier − VAT
The 150 USD limit is the current rule. The government is reviewing the small-import exemption, so check Korea Customs notices. VAT for buying-agent businesses depends on how you file; check with a tax accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Does Amazon Japan ship to Korea?
It depends on the item. Check the product page; if not, use a forwarder.
What is the duty-free limit?
Goods from Japan are usually duty-free up to 150 USD in item value.