There has been quite a bit of talk regarding this on the net here in Japan and many are severely panicking about this. However, if you really look at the notice from the Japan post, it states that parcels that are weighed by a scale and paid for at the post office, you should be able to ship your product normally. I will definitely be checking on this myself at the post office because if this affects my shipments to the USA this Christmas season, then it will truly SUCK.
UPDATE: I just went to the Akihabara post office and asked them about this notice. I have confirmed that individuals WILL NOT be able to send a parcel over 16oz. from Japan to the United States. However, those companies with a commercial account for more than one month will be able to send their parcels normally.
This basically means we are all SCREWED for Christmas.
Here is a link to the notice in the original Japanese:
米国等あて航空運送する郵便物の一部の引受停止について
Here is my translation of the post:
Regarding the suspension of some shipments to the USA
The President and Director of the Japan Post Corporation, Shinichi Nabekura has announced that due to the threat of recent terrorist attacks and reinforcement of aviation security in the United States, we will be ceasing any air shipments weighing over 453g (16oz) for an indefinite period of time beginning November 17, 2010. Once this threat has passed, we will announce the resumption of these shipments.
Shipments Affected by this Suspension:
| Country | Type of Parcel | Parcel Weight | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| The United States and it's territories (Guam, Saipan, Northern Marianas, Midway, Puerto Rico, Samoa, & the Virgin Islands) | Includes the following
| Over 453g (16oz) | In principle, separate payment for shipment or parcels not weighed & calculated postage (paid with stamps, etc.) |
Other:
Any parcels that are under 453g (16oz) will be accepted and sent as usual.
4 comments:
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the link - WOW! We had no idea.... Does this mean my kid's grandma will have to ship her grandkids Christmas presents via boat, UPS or Fed Ex??? Nutty world we're living in....
Brock,
If you look into the column for the method of payment, you will notice that Japan Post is wanting to avoid packages that are "pre-postage paid". Meaning that they will not send products that are merely stamped by the sender.
I have not checked this yet but, it looks as though you should be able to have her send the package from the post office, having them weigh and inspect the package with the proper customs material there.
If you think about it, it makes sense, J Post (& the US Postal Service for that matter) wants to avoid suspicious packages just left on their doorstep.
Glad this could help.
Mark
Brock,
I just finished checking with the Akihabara post office during lunch. Apparently, they are banning all parcels over 453g to the United States for individual customers. Only business customers will be able to send their items normally.
This truly SUCKS.
Also, you may be interested in getting this notice to your mother-in-law. Kuroneko Yamato will send the parcel as long as you provide a Social Security number or a IRS Tax ID number.
http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/info/info_101116.html
I've also checked the Japan FedEX and UPS websites. Both of those services are just warning everyone to not send any printer cartridges. Otherwise, you can ship normally (however more costly) through them.
Mark
Post a Comment