A new parcel tax proposal?

Online shopping is often a lifeline for many expats in Japan, especially when it comes to affordable fashion and household items from platforms like Shein and Temu. While fast fashion absolutely has its detriments, for some expats it's one of the few ways to find clothing that fits and is reasonably priced. However, the days of tax-free deals may soon be over, with the Japanese government currently considering changes to its small parcel tax exemption.

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At the moment, shipments valued under ¥10,000 (about $69 USD at the time of writing) can enter the country without being subject to the standard 10 percent consumption tax. That policy is now under review as officials look into the growing volume of untaxed imports, and concerns over fair competition and safety. That's pretty understandable, all things considered.

For expats (or Japanese nationals!) who use these sites to access affordable or hard-to-find goods, a new tax could mean higher prices or unexpected fees on arrival. The move would follow similar steps by countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and France, which have recently tightened rules on lower-value e-commerce imports.

No final decision has been made yet, but it's definitely something a lot of us will need to keep in mind going forward. If you have plans to stock up or place a few orders from abroad, now may be the time to do it before any new rules take effect.

Do you regularly shop online from overseas? What are the main things you shop for?