Shipping & Delivery

At Japanese Taste, we understand the importance of timely and reliable delivery. We partner with a vast network of reputable couriers to ensure your orders reach you as expected. Please review the following information regarding our shipping services.

1. Market Specific Websites

At Japanese Taste, we are committed to providing a tailored and localized shopping experience for our customers across the globe. To achieve this, we operate distinct online stores, each catering to a specific market. Please ensure you are shopping on the correct website for your location to ensure accurate pricing, shipping, and product availability.

• United States: For customers in the United States, please visit: japanesetaste.com
• Canada: For customers in Canada, please visit: japanesetaste.ca
• Australia: For customers in Australia, please visit: japanesetaste.com.au
• United Kingdom: For customers in the United Kingdom, please visit: japanesetaste.co.uk
• Netherlands: For customers in the Netherlands, please visit: japanesetaste.nl
• Switzerland: For customers in Switzerland, please visit: japanesetaste.ch
• Germany: For customers in Germany, please visit: japanesetaste.de
• Rest of the World: For all other countries not listed above, please visit: int.japanesetaste.com

2. Shipping Destinations and Estimated Delivery Times

• We ship to a wide range of international destinations.
  
• Please refer to the table above for a comprehensive list of countries we ship to, along with estimated shipping times and rates.
  
• Estimated delivery times are also displayed during the checkout process and are included in your order confirmation email.
• Each market-specific website utilizes shipping and delivery services tailored to its respective region. Shipping costs, delivery times, and available shipping options may vary.

3. Shipping Methods

• We utilize both expedited shipping couriers and standard shipping services.
• The most suitable shipping method will be selected based on factors such as: Order weight, order value and destination country.
• All our logistics partners offer fast and secure international mail shipping services.
• Every shipment includes a tracking number, allowing you to monitor your order's progress.

4. Delivery Time Disclaimer

• While we provide estimated delivery times, please be aware that these are estimates and not guarantees.
• Actual delivery times may vary due to factors beyond our control, including:
• Final destination.
• Customs clearance procedures in the destination country.
• Unexpected logistical delays.

5. Address and Delivery Responsibilities

• To ensure successful delivery, please use a physical street address. We're unable to ship to PO Boxes in some regions.
• Japanese Taste assumes no liability for delivery failures resulting from: 
  • Incorrect or incomplete addresses provided by the customer.
  • Repeated absence of the recipient during delivery attempts.
  • Failure to pay applicable customs duties and taxes in the destination country.
    
  • Loss of parcel due to theft at the delivery point.

6. Combining Orders (Default Combination)

Japanese Taste prioritizes efficient shipping and environmental responsibility. We may combine your unshipped orders with the same address into one package, giving you the option to request separate shipments if preferred.

6.1. Default Order Combination:

• Automatic Consideration: Our system is designed to automatically identify and combine orders that meet specific criteria. Unless you explicitly request otherwise, we will assume you are comfortable with your eligible orders being combined.
• Efficiency and Sustainability: Combining orders helps us reduce packaging waste and streamline delivery, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable process.

6.2. Opting Out of Order Combination:

• Clear Instructions Required: If you do not want your unshipped orders to be combined, you must provide clear and explicit instructions at the time of placing each order.
• How to Provide Instructions:
  
  • Contact Customer Service: Immediately after placing each order, contact our customer service team to explicitly request separate shipments.
  • Responsibility for Communication: It is your responsibility to ensure your instructions are clear and received by our team.

7. Customs and Import Duties

At Japanese Taste, we believe your shopping experience should be transparent and simple. For all U.S. orders, this includes clearly communicating and, where possible, collecting applicable duties and taxes at checkout. This policy outlines our approach to handling these charges. Please review the following information carefully.

7.1. What are Duties and Taxes?

Duties and taxes on goods imported into the U.S. are collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies. Here's a breakdown:

• Duties (Customs Duties): These are tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States. The rate depends on the type of product, its value, and its country of origin.
  
• Taxes (Excise Tax, Sales Tax): Sales tax is calculated based on the specific rules of the state, county, and city where your order is being shipped. This tax is applied to your order at checkout and will be shown as a separate line item.

7.2. Changes to U.S. Import Regulations

Due to recent changes in U.S. customs regulations, the previous $800 de minimis exemption for imported goods has been removed. This means that all shipments to the United States, regardless of value, may now be subject to import duties, taxes, and customs fees.

7.3. Delivery Duties Paid (DDP)

We are committed to making your U.S. shopping experience simple and transparent. All orders shipped to the United States are sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).

With DDP shipping, the total amount you pay at checkout is final. You should not be responsible for any additional costs upon delivery. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free customs clearance process for your order.

In the rare event that a shipping carrier attempts to charge you an additional fee, contact our support team immediately with the details.

7.4. General Customs Information

As the importer of record, it is still helpful to be aware of your country's import regulations. While we handle all costs with DDP, customs authorities may occasionally require additional information or documentation. In such a case, we will collaborate with you to ensure a smooth clearance process.

8. Tracking Your Order

• You will receive a tracking number via email once your order has been shipped.
• You can track your order's progress using the tracking number provided on our dedicated tracking page or the courier's website.
• If your orders are combined, you will receive a single tracking number for the consolidated shipment.

9. Returns

We strive for your complete satisfaction. However, we understand that returns may be necessary. Please review our returns policy carefully, as international returns have specific considerations.

10. Our Logistics Partners

We partner with a network of global logistics companies to deliver our products fast, safely and efficiently. We have also been featured on JAPAN POST Online shopping website links page as a recommended site for Japanese products.