Huge Customs Bill From Japan? Here’s Why + How to Fix It (USA)

So you are from USA and ordered that perfect item from Japan – maybe some JDM car parts, limited edition anime merch, or cutting-edge electronics. Everything seemed great until you got slapped with a customs bill that made no sense. If you’re wondering what just happened and how to fix it, you’re not alone. Let’s break down exactly why this is happening more than ever in 2025 and what you can do about it.

Please note that all information below is related to any order shipping via UPS, DHL or Fedex from Japan to the United States. 

The Perfect Storm: Why Customs Bills Are Skyrocketing Right Now

Here’s the thing – the U.S. completely eliminated its De Minimis exemption for all countries on August 29, 2025, which means that packages valued under $800 that previously entered the country duty-free are now subject to all applicable tariffs and fees. This isn’t just a minor policy tweak – it’s a seismic shift in how international shipping works.

 

The HS Code Mystery: Where Things Go Wrong

Let’s talk about what causes your customs nightmare: the Harmonized System (HS) code. Think of it as a global language for describing products – a 6 to 10-digit code that tells customs exactly what your item is and how much tax you should pay. Sounds simple, right? Well, not so fast.

 

How HS Codes Actually Work

HS codes are 6-10 digit codes that customs authorities use to classify goods and determine applicable duties and taxes. Every product that crosses international borders needs one, and getting it wrong can be expensive. Really expensive.

The code breaks down like this:

  • First 2 digits: Chapter (broad category)
  • Next 2 digits: Heading (product group)
  • Next 2 digits: Subheading (specific product type)
  • Final digits: Country-specific details

For example, a carbon fiber hood for your Roadster might be classified completely differently than a regular aluminum hood, even though they serve the same function. One digit off, and suddenly you’re paying raw material tariffs instead of auto parts rates.

How AI is Making Things Worse (and Better)

Here’s where it gets interesting. Modern customs authorities are increasingly using AI-powered classification systems to handle the massive volume of packages, with some systems achieving over 85% accuracy in tariff classifications. That sounds great until you’re in that 15% getting the wrong classification.

 

Why AI Classification Goes Wrong

The rush to automate customs processing has created new problems:

  1. Vague Product Descriptions: Importers may provide missing or inaccurate information about product specifications, making it difficult for authorities and AI systems to classify goods accurately
  2. Material Confusion: Your seller writes “racing seat” but doesn’t specify if it’s leather, fabric, or carbon fiber – each with different tariff rates
  3. Translation Errors: Japanese product descriptions run through Google Translate can create classification nightmares
  4. Outdated Training Data: HS codes and customs regulations are updated periodically, usually every five years, but AI systems may not always be current
  5. Exchange Rate Errors: Some shipments have value declared in Japanese Yen and end up being 1 to 1 in USA which makes your JPY10,000 (~$70.00) item declared at USD$10,000!

The result? AI classification errors can lead to overpayment or underpayment of taxes, generating fines and penalties, with goods potentially being detained or seized by customs authorities.

 

Your Action Plan: 3 Solutions to Fix That Customs Bill

Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let’s fix your problem:

First of all, you need to have access to your Entry Summary (from customs, scroll down to see what it looks like). If you don’t have it, request it from your seller. This process can take a few days to a few weeks. Then, follow these steps :

Solution 1: Contact Your Seller About HS Code Correction

If you suspect the HS code is wrong (and there’s a good chance it is):

  • Email your Japanese seller immediately
  • Request they review the HS code assigned to your shipment
  • Ask them to work with the shipping company to submit a correction
  • Provide them with the specific product details that might have been missed

Pro tip: Use simple English and be super specific. Instead of “car part,” say “aluminum alloy wheel, 18 inches, for passenger vehicle, aftermarket replacement part.”

Delays: A few weeks to a few months.

Solution 2: Dispute the Product Description

Often, the product description doesn’t match what you actually bought:

  • Contact your seller to verify the exact description submitted to customs
  • Request they dispute any inaccuracies with the shipping carrier
  • Provide photos and specifications of the actual product
  • Get documentation showing the correct product category

This is especially important for items that could be classified multiple ways. Those side skirts? Make sure it’s not classified as “women skirt (cloting)” when it should be “car parts.” Below image is a real case we just had :

Delays: A few weeks to a few months.

Solution 3: The REV9 Autosport Solution (Your Stress-Free Option)

Look, we get it. Dealing with customs is about as fun as a root canal. That’s why at REV9 Autosport, we’ve completely eliminated this headache for our customers in USA by combining forces with logistics companies, our existing warehouses and tariff specialists.

When you order from us, we handle EVERYTHING:

  • ✅ All packages going to USA ship with tariffs, taxes & duties included – zero surprise bills
  • ✅ We take care of any customs errors or issues – that’s our problem, not yours
  • ✅ Professional HS code classification for every single item
  • ✅ Direct relationships with shipping carriers for dispute resolution
  • ✅ One price at checkout – no hidden fees, no customs drama, no stress

Think of it this way: Would you rather spend hours arguing with customs about why your turbo kit isn’t a “jet engine component,” or would you rather just… not? We vote for option B. We’ve been in this game long enough to know that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold and our company has been long enough in business that you can let us take care of your build.

Delays: No delay, just enjoy!

The Bottom Line

The elimination of De Minimis has created a perfect storm of customs complications. Between AI classification errors, massive backlogs, and confusing new regulations, getting hit with unexpected customs bills has become the norm rather than the exception.

But you don’t have to accept it. Whether you work with your current seller to fix classification errors, dispute incorrect descriptions, or switch to a seller like REV9 Autosport that handles all the customs hassles for you, you have options.

The international shipping landscape has fundamentally changed in 2025. The question isn’t whether you’ll encounter customs issues – it’s how prepared you’ll be when you do (or leave it to us and live a peaceful life).

No Surprise Fees: Tariffs Covered for USA Orders

Japan-USA Tariff Changes
As you may be aware, there have been recent changes to import tariffs from Japan. Most Japanese goods entering the United States are now subject to a 15% (or more) tariff, representing a substantial increase from previous rates. Additionally, the de minimis rule that previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free has been eliminated, meaning all commercial shipments are now subject to applicable tariffs and duties. These changes are part of broader trade policy adjustments that are beyond our company’s control. 

 

REV9 Autosport promise for a seamless Shopping from Japan to the USA
Since the majority of our customers are located in the United States. To ensure a seamless shopping experience, we’ve partnered with logistics experts who specialize in international shipping and customs clearance. By doing bulk shipments, shipping from our USA warehouses and various other methods, we are able to include all tariffs, duties & taxes on most orders.

We’re committed to transparent pricing for all our US customers.

 

Here’s how it works:

 

Most Products Already Include Everything
The majority of items on our site now include all duties, tariffs, and taxes for delivery to any US destination. The price you see is the final price you pay.

 

We’re Updating Prices Daily
We’re currently updating our entire catalog product-by-product to include all customs fees in the displayed price. This process is ongoing.

 

If Your Product Isn’t Updated Yet
If the product you order doesn’t yet include duties, tariffs, and taxes in the listed price, here’s what happens:

  • We’ll calculate the exact total including all fees
  • We’ll email you with the extra amount to include tariffs, duties & taxes
  • You can approve the extra fee or cancel with absolutely no fees or obligations

 

Shipping Method Considerations
Since De Minimis rule has been abolished, Japan Post (cost effective option) has stopped service to USA and we need to use courier service (FedEx, UPS, or DHL). If some products require extra payment due to the shipping price difference, here’s what will happen:

  • We’ll calculate the exact total including all fees
  • We’ll email you with the extra amount to that include shipping upgrade, tariffs, duties & taxes
  • You can approve the extra fee or cancel with absolutely no fees or obligations

 

Additional Note for Orders Under $100
For lower-value orders (under $100 USD), courier services like FedEx, UPS, and DHL have higher base shipping costs and fixed fees for duty prepaid processing. In these cases, we may need to request an additional shipping fee to cover these costs. We’ll always notify you of any additional fees before processing your order.

 

Exciting Future Developments
We’re currently developing a dedicated USA orders page (coming soon!) that will display all prices inclusive of shipping, duties, and taxes. This new feature will provide you with complete pricing transparency and eliminate any surprises during the checkout process. 

 

Our Guarantee
While many of our competitors may let American customers get surprised by unexpected fees at delivery, we’re committed to standing out by providing you with a completely seamless experience. We’re working tirelessly to finish our dedicated USA orders page.

No order ships to the USA without DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and taxes included. You will never receive an unexpected bill when your package arrives. Everything is handled upfront, with full transparency.

This policy applies to all orders placed and shipped on or after September 1st, 2025 with US-bound destination.

Understanding FRP Finishes: What to Expect

When it comes to FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) products, one of the most common questions we receive is about the finish — especially from customers who are surprised by the surface appearance upon arrival. So let’s clear up some common misconceptions and set expectations for anyone considering FRP parts for their vehicle.

FRP Parts Are Not Ready to Install “As Is”

Unlike pre-painted or finished components(CF), FRP products are not designed to be installed straight out of the box. These parts typically do not come with primer, and if they do, it’s often a very thin coat that serves more as a guide than a final prep layer. That thin primer won’t cover minor sanding marks, pinholes, or texture left behind from the production process.

As a result, surface imperfections are normal. Small blemishes, scratches, or rough textures are expected and must be addressed during the preparation stage before painting.

It’s Your Job (or Your Body Shop’s) to Finish the Part

We do our best to provide high-quality FRP parts, but please note: we are not a paint or body shop. That means we can’t offer in-depth painting instructions — and frankly, every project is different. For the best outcome, we highly recommend having your FRP parts prepared and painted by a professional.

In general, the typical prep process includes:

  • Spot putty to fill small imperfections
  • Primer
  • Sealer
  • Base coat (paint)
  • Clear coat

This process ensures the part not only looks great but also holds up well over time.

What About Shipping Damage?

Another concern we hear relates to possible damage during shipping. We do our best to pack every item securely, but in rare cases, damage can still occur. Cracks, chips, or structural damage are signs of a genuine shipping issue — and should be reported immediately.

However, light scratches or surface scuffs do not qualify as damage. These are normal and expected on unfinished FRP products, as they’ll be sanded and painted during the prep stage anyway.

Final Thoughts

FRP parts are an affordable and customizable option for vehicle enthusiasts, but they do require a bit of work to shine. If you’re planning to install these yourself, know what you’re signing up for — and if in doubt, trust a professional to take your project across the finish line.

Got more questions? We’re always happy to help!

 

Product Review : Garage Vary BP Cam Cover

Introduction

In this month’s product review, we’re installing and evaluating the Garage Vary Cam Gear Cover, designed for the BP (1.8L) NA/NB Miata engine. Available in either FRP or Carbon Fiber, this cover not only protects your exposed cam gears but also adds a clean, stylish touch to your engine bay.

Unlike the Maruha cam cover—which requires trimming the OEM valve cover—the Garage Vary Cam Gear Cover installs over the OEM valve cover and upper timing belt cover, making it a more straightforward and reversible solution.

Installation Process : NB

On NB1 models, a few cuts and modifications are required to ensure proper fitment. Let’s walk through these delicate steps.

  1. Mark the Cutting Areas
    Begin by identifying the gel coat outlines molded into the part. These indicate the sections that need to be cut. To make them easier to see, I use a silver Sharpie to place dots along the inside of the gel coat lines.

  1. Cut and Smooth
    Using a combination of tools—a Dremel and a uni-bit on a drill—I carefully cut along the marked lines. After cutting, smooth the edges using fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a clean finish and proper fit.

  1. Intake Manifold Clearance
    The bracket on the intake manifold that secures the engine harness needs to be slightly trimmed to clear the cam gear cover.

  1. Optional: Lower Bracket Removal
    I also chose to remove the bracket located near the bottom of the timing belt cover, which supports additional wire harnesses. While this step is optional, if you do remove it, make sure to secure the harness bundle to the engine using zip ties. This prevents any interference with the belts or pulleys.

Lastly, this plug will be hard to reinsert in the bracket. A zip tie is recommended.

Conclusion

This product is a great way to enhance the look and protection of your engine bay, especially if you’re running exposed cam gears. The extra work on NB1 models is manageable with some care and attention to detail.

 

 

Golden Week 2025 Schedule

Hey everyone! Most of you never heard of Golden Week, but it’s a National Holiday in Japan.

For Japanese people, it’s the equivalent of “Spring Break”.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused, all customers with orders affected by Golden Week will be contacted by email.

You can find more information about this holiday by following this link.

When is Golden Week?

Golden Week takes place from April 29, 2025 to May 6, 2025 this year.

What usually happens during Golden Week?

The whole country of Japan kind of “shuts down”. Most factories are closed and people take time to visit their family, do sightseeing or travel. This year, it’ll just be time to relax at home.

Why do we talk about Golden Week?

As you may know already, 99% of our parts ship straight from Japan. During Golden Week, our shipping department is no different and all operations will be halted during Golden Week. Jenvey or Nardi products are not affected by this holiday.

Will your order be affected?

If you placed a order after April 11, 2025 and it didn’t ship yet, your order may be delayed by ~5 business days (but we will do our best to ship it before). Orders placed between May 2, 2025 and May 6, 2025 will not be processed until May 7th, since we need to wait for shops to come back from vacation. We will proceed all orders in order of oldest to newest, so if there is limited stock of a product, the orders first received will be prioritized.

Time to enjoy life.

We’ve been doing the REV9 Autosport adventure for over 15 years now! It’s a lot of work, but so enjoyable. It’s the only time of the year that we can really take time for ourselves and recharge before the summer season!

Sales inquiries between April 25, 2025 and May 7, 2025 might be slowed down because some manufacturers will be unavailable during that period.

Cheers, time to drive!

-Max

Product Review – Daikei Lever Extension

Introduction

The Daikei Turn Signal Lever is a practical accessory that enhances accessibility to the turn signal stalk, especially when a steering wheel boss hub is paired with a deep-dish steering wheel or a quick-release setup.

This Signal Stalk Extender is compatible with stalk diameters ranging from 18 to 28 mm and offers an adjustable extension range of 30 to 100 mm, making it versatile for a variety of vehicles.

Installation Process

Although the stalk extender is originally designed for RHD (Right-Hand Drive) vehicles, it can be easily adapted for LHD (Left-Hand Drive) configurations.

To make this change, remove one of the larger Phillip head screws that holds the lever.

Once removed, flip the lever 180 degrees to the opposite direction.

Reinstall the Phillips screw, leaving it slightly loose.

The Daikei Turn Signal Lever is now ready to be installed in the vehicle.

Loosen the small screws on the adapter to allow it to expand. Slide the adapter onto the stalk and position it in the desired location. Tighten the four small screws in a diagonal pattern to ensure a secure fit.

Finally, adjust the lever’s angle as needed, and tighten the Phillips screws once the preferred position is achieved.

Conclusion

The Daikei Turn Signal Lever is a well-crafted accessory that improves functionality while adding a sleek, seamless look—particularly in darker interiors. With its easy installation and fully reversible design, it ensures a hassle-free upgrade.

 

 

REV9 2024/2025 Holiday Schedule

Hey everyone!

Even though we’re an online store, we also take some holidays!

The customer service & sales will still be on limited operation throughout the holidays, however, the shipping department will be shut down from 27th of December to 5th of January. Every order placed during period of 27th of December to 5th of January may be delayed by up to an extra ~5 business days as most shops we deal with will be closed. On January 6th, when shops resume business, if your order has a longer production lead time than 5-10 business days, we will inform you and re-confirm order. Otherwise, we will ship within a time frame of 5-10 business days (from 6th of January) as usual.

Very sorry about that, hope it’ll be alright for most of you!

In the meantime, take it easy, time to work on your car(s) and spend time with your loved ones!

We appreciate everyone’s help in making this year one of our nicest years ever. We have big plans for 2025, stay tuned!

Happy Holidays~

-Max & the team!

Product Review – Jet Stream Gurney Hood Flap

Introduction

Jet Stream introduced this item a few years back, showcasing it on a handful of their customer cars. Although it never made it to their catalog as a new release, they’ve been more than happy to craft it upon request.

The Dilemma 

Unfortunately, the gurney flap does block the OEM windshield spray nozzle. So, if you’re keen on keeping this feature, you might want to consider opting for a nozzle relocation kit, which is entirely optional.

Installation Process – Nozzle 

To install the nozzle, it’s necessary to remove the wiper cowl. A separate blog post detailing the steps involved in removing the cowl cover can be found here.

Once the cowl is off, mark the drilling location for the 10mm hole needed for the new nozzle. Using the center screw location of the cowl as a reference, measure 2 inches to the right and then half an inch towards the bottom. However, I chose to position it more centrally, opting for a distance of 1 1/4 inch instead of 2 inches.

A step drill bit comes in handy for this task.

The nozzle simply slips through the hole and is secured in place with a threaded plastic collar.

After mocking the cowl back onto the vehicle to ensure there are no clearance issues, proceed to add the rubber hose for the washer fluid. Depending on your setup, like my NB with the NOPRO relocation tank, you might need to adjust the length of the rubber hose accordingly. Just be cautious not to make it too short, risking kinking.

Remember to route the rubber hose behind the wiper arm link. Secure the cowl with the screws.

Installation Process – Gurney Flap

Now, onto the gurney flap. Prep the hood area by wiping it with alcohol to ensure a clean surface.

The item comes with a roll of double-sided adhesive, which you’ll apply to the bottom of the flap, ensuring it’s evenly spaced from the edge and firmly pressed. I opted for a single strip, but there’s enough tape provided if you prefer to add a second.

Once aligned perfectly, use masking tape to prevent any shifting during the final glue down. Peel off the tape backing strip while pressing down, working your way down to the other side of the vehicle. And that concludes the installation!

Conclusion

Since fitting this, I’ve taken the vehicle on a highway run and can confirm the wiper arms remain steady even at speeds over 85mph. Visibility isn’t compromised, and it’s easy to forget it’s there. Plus, I really admire the aesthetic it brings to the car, neatly concealing the majority of the wiper arms from a frontal view.

The nozzle spray performs just as well as those from the hood. In fact, the relocation actually tidies up the engine bay once you remove the OEM hoses for the hood spray nozzles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Review – Garage HRS Air Conditioning Filter

Introducing the Garage HRS Filter

One of the most exciting advancements in automotive accessories over the past year has been the introduction of cabin filters for our beloved Roadsters. Thanks to the wonders of 3D printing, finding a solution for this long-awaited upgrade has become a breeze.

Enter the Garage HRS Filter: a beautifully designed 3D-printed product that not only looks the part straight out of the box but also feels impressively good.

Installation Process 

Now, let’s dive into the installation process. Prepare your toolbox with essentials like a Phillips screwdriver, masking tape, and a 12mm socket and ratchet. Additionally, having a pry tool on hand will prove invaluable.

Pro tip: Use a piece of masking tape to mark the glass where the wiper blades rest to ensure they’re aligned upon reinstallation.

Removing the wiper arms involves removing the rubber cap and loosening the 12mm nut before gently pulling the arm upwards. Be prepared to apply some force, especially if it’s the first time the arm has been removed.

Next, the wiper cowl, held in place by six screws hidden beneath plastic cap covers. Carefully pry these covers off using a scalpel or small flat-head screwdriver, exercising caution to avoid damaging the plastic.

Finally, the rain/water diverter panel, secured with five screws and three plastic clips.

Pay special attention to the clips on the firewall, ensuring you pry the inner piece first before rotating it off like a regular screw.

A clip/pry tool will come in handy for the third clip.

With those hurdles cleared, it’s time to address the AC air intake. For NB Roadsters like mine, the existing metal mesh offers limited protection against debris entering the AC blower, making a cabin filter a welcomed addition.

Take advantage of this opportunity to give the area a thorough clean, promoting fresher air circulation within the cabin.

While the Garage HRS Filter boasts impressive design, one flaw surfaced during installation: a less-than-secure fit within the rectangular intake. My simple yet effective solution involved adding a 1/16th-inch weather seal tape to the filter housing’s inner edge.

This minor adjustment significantly enhanced the housing’s stability and sealing, resulting in a snugger fit and improved performance. Curious to replicate this solution? Here’s a link to the weather seal tape. https://a.co/d/iOWnzlu

So far, my experience with the filter has been nothing short of delightful. Not a hint of strong odors from the outside world has infiltrated my sanctuary on wheels.

In conclusion, installing a cabin filter in our Roadsters not only enhances air quality but also adds a touch of innovation to our driving experience. Here’s to many more miles of fresh, exhilarating adventures ahead!

 

 

Golden Week 2024 Schedule

Hey everyone! Most of you never heard of Golden Week, but it’s a National Holiday in Japan.

For Japanese people, it’s the equivalent of “Spring Break”.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused, all customers with orders affected by Golden Week will be contacted by email.

You can find more information about this holiday by following this link.

When is Golden Week?

Golden Week takes place from April 27th to May 6th this year.

What usually happens during Golden Week?

The whole country of Japan kind of “shuts down”. Most factories are closed and people take time to visit their family, do sightseeing or travel. This year, it’ll just be time to relax at home.

Why do we talk about Golden Week?

As you may know already, 99% of our parts ship straight from Japan. During Golden Week, our shipping department is no different and all operations will be halted during Golden Week. Jenvey or Nardi products are not affected by this holiday.

Will your order be affected?

If you placed a order after April 11th and it didn’t ship yet, your order may be delayed by ~5-7 business days (but we will do our best to ship it before). Orders placed between April 26th and May 3rd will not be processed until May 7th, since we need to wait for shops to come back from vacation. We will proceed all orders in order of oldest to newest, so if there is limited stock of a product, the orders first received will be prioritized.

Time to enjoy life.

We’ve been doing the REV9 Autosport adventure for over 15 years now! It’s a lot of work, but so enjoyable. It’s the only time of the year that we can really take time for ourselves and recharge before the summer season!

Sales inquiries between April 26th and May 3rd will be limited because most questions that we do not have answer to cannot be answered during that period.

Cheers, time to drive!

-Max