Important Changes to US Shipping: What Our Customers Need to Know

Starting August 29, 2025, shipping to the US is changing dramatically. After years of enjoying duty-free purchases under $800, all international packages now face customs duties and fees. However, there’s an important distinction: postal deliveries (like our Royal Mail to USPS service) have different treatment than commercial couriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

What’s changing and why

The US government eliminated its $800 duty-free threshold (called “de minimis”) effective August 29, 2025. This was part of broader trade policy changes, including new 15% tariffs on Japanese goods and a shift to require duties on all imports regardless of value.

Previously: Orders under $800 arrived with no additional fees From August 29: Every package faces customs duties, but postal deliveries get preferential treatment

How we ship your knives: Royal Mail to USPS

We use Royal Mail’s trusted postal service, which partners with USPS for final delivery in America. Your knife travels from our workshop in the UK through this reliable postal network that’s been serving customers for generations.

Important: We use Royal Mail to USPS, which has special advantages.

We use Royal Mail’s postal service, which partners with USPS for final delivery in America. This gives you significant advantages over commercial couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL):

Postal delivery benefits:

Flat-rate duty option: Instead of complex percentage calculations, you may pay simplified flat rates
No formal customs broker required: Unlike commercial couriers that need expensive broker services
Simplified processing: Special postal agreements reduce paperwork complexity
Lower processing fees: Postal networks have preferential treatment through February 2026

Your knife travels through this reliable postal network that’s been serving customers for generations – and now it’s actually the better option for international deliveries.

Real examples: What you’ll pay

Let’s look at actual costs for popular Oishya knives:

Example 1: KATA Santoku Knife (£280 / $350)

Before August 29, 2025:

Knife price: $350
Shipping: FREE (over £250)
Total to you: $350

After August 29, 2025:

At checkout: Knife price ($350) + Shipping (FREE)
On delivery: Flat-rate postal duty ~$80-160 OR percentage duties (16.1% of $350 = $56) + USPS processing ~$5-15
Your total cost: $435-525 (24-50% increase, depending on duty calculation method)

Example 2: RYU Gyuto Knife (£320 / $400)

Before August 29, 2025:

Knife price: $400
Shipping: FREE (over £250)
Total to you: $400

After August 29, 2025:

At checkout: Knife price ($400) + Shipping (FREE)
On delivery: Flat-rate postal duty ~$80-160 OR percentage duties (16.1% of $400 = $64) + USPS processing ~$5-15
Your total cost: $485-575 (21-44% increase, depending on duty calculation method)

Example 3: SHIN Santoku Premium Set (£550 / $690)

Before August 29, 2025:

Set price: $690
Shipping: FREE (over £250)
Total to you: $690

After August 29, 2025:

At checkout: Set price ($690) + Shipping (FREE)
On delivery: Flat-rate postal duty ~$80-160 OR percentage duties (16.1% of $690 = $111) + USPS processing ~$5-15
Your total cost: $785-865 (14-25% increase, depending on duty calculation method)

Why UK shipping is better than direct Japanese imports

Because our knives travel through the UK, you actually get a significant advantage. The UK has more favourable trade terms with the US than Japan does:

Direct from Japan: 21% total duties and tariffs
Via UK (Oishya): 16.1% total duties and tariffs
Your savings: About 5% less than buying directly from Japan

This means while costs are increasing everywhere, choosing Oishya still gives you better value than other Japanese knife suppliers.

What happens when you order

At checkout:

Choose your knife as usual
Pay the product price (shipping is FREE on orders over £250/$315)
Receive order confirmation with tracking information

When your knife arrives in the US:

USPS will calculate duties using either flat-rate or percentage method
You’ll receive notification about payment options (likely online payment available)
Pay the required fees – much simpler than commercial courier requirements
Receive your knife once payment is complete

The good news: Postal deliveries have much lower processing fees than commercial couriers. While FedEx/UPS charge $50+ in brokerage fees alone, postal processing is typically under $15.

Delivery timeline and process

Your knives will still ship via Royal Mail International Tracked service with delivery in 5-8 business days. The new postal processing should add minimal delays.

Delivery process:

Track from our workshop to US postal facilities
Simplified postal processing: 1-2 additional days for duty calculation
USPS notification: You’ll receive information about payment options
Easy payment: Online payment systems available for most customers
Final delivery: Once duties are paid

Important: Unlike commercial couriers that can charge $100+ in total fees, postal services keep additional costs much lower. The US postal system is designed for efficiency, not profit maximization on customs fees.

Smaller orders are most affected

The biggest impact hits smaller purchases. For example:

A £200 ($250) Nakiri knife:

Before: $250 + FREE shipping = $250 total
After: $250 + FREE shipping + $80-160 flat rate OR $40 percentage duties + $10 processing = $340-420 total

Cost is 36-68% higher, but still much better than commercial couriers

For orders under £250 that don’t qualify for free shipping: A £120 ($150) petty knife:

Before: $150 + $35 shipping = $185 total
After: $150 + $35 shipping + $80-160 flat rate OR $24 percentage duties + $10 processing = $275-355 total

The advantage of Royal Mail: While these increases seem significant, commercial couriers (FedEx/UPS/DHL) would add $100+ in fees for the same packages, making postal delivery the clear winner for international customers.

This is why we’re exploring bundle offers and gift sets that spread the fixed costs across multiple items.

What we’re doing to help

1. Bundle discounts: We’re creating attractive multi-knife sets to help spread the duty costs

2. Clear pricing: All costs shown upfront at checkout with no surprises

3. Premium packaging: Since you’re paying more, we’re ensuring every knife arrives beautifully presented

4. Extended support: Enhanced knife care guides and sharpening advice to maximize your investment

5. Loyalty rewards: Special offers for repeat customers who understand true craftsmanship value

The silver lining: Quality remains uncompromised

While costs are rising, the fundamental value proposition remains strong. Our Japanese knives represent:

Lifetime investment: Built to last generations
Artisan craftsmanship: Hand-forged by master smiths
Superior materials: VG10, SG2 steels that hold edges longer
Cultural heritage: Authentic techniques passed down through centuries
Personal transformation: Tools that elevate your cooking experience

A £300 knife used daily for 20 years costs just 4p per day. Even with higher upfront costs, the long-term value remains exceptional.

Questions we’re hearing

Q: Can I avoid the duties by having multiple small shipments? A: No, every package faces duties regardless of size. Larger orders are actually more cost-effective now.

Q: Will delivery take longer?
A: Minimal delays expected – 1-2 additional days for postal processing. Total delivery time should be 6-10 business days, much faster than commercial couriers dealing with formal customs entries.

Q: How do I know which duty rate I’ll pay – flat rate or percentage? A: USPS will determine this when your package arrives. Generally, flat rates may apply for higher-value items, while percentage rates may be better for lower-value items. Either way, you’ll pay significantly less than commercial courier alternatives.

Q: Why is Royal Mail better than other shipping options? A: Postal services have special agreements that commercial couriers don’t. While FedEx might charge $100+ in total fees, postal processing keeps additional costs much lower while maintaining the same reliability.

Q: What if I need to return a knife? A: Our 50-day return policy remains unchanged. Return shipping and duty refunds follow standard postal procedures.

Q: Are the duties definitely 16.1%? A: Yes, this combines the 10% UK-US baseline tariff plus 6.1% specific knife duties. This is lower than the 21% for direct Japanese imports.

Looking ahead: Our commitment to you

These changes affect everyone shipping internationally. What doesn’t change is our dedication to bringing you the finest Japanese knives with exceptional service.

We’re exploring partnerships with US-based fulfillment to potentially reduce costs in future. We’re also working directly with our Japanese artisans to optimize our supply chain.

Most importantly, we remain committed to democratizing access to authentic Japanese craftsmanship. Even with higher costs, our knives offer superior value compared to mass-produced alternatives.

Ready to order?

When you visit oishya.com, you’ll see our regular pricing. Remember to budget approximately 20-50% additional for duties and USPS fees that you’ll pay upon delivery. The exact amount depends on which duty calculation method applies to your package.

The important thing: By choosing Royal Mail delivery, you’re getting the most cost-effective option available for international shipping. Commercial couriers would cost significantly more in total fees.

Questions about the changes? Email us at hello@oishya.com – we’re here to help you navigate this transition and find the perfect knife for your culinary journey.

These duty estimates reflect current postal service policies through February 2026. Flat-rate and percentage options may change as regulations evolve. You are responsible for all customs duties and USPS processing fees.