Ordering from Japan to the UK? The good news is that the UK’s import rules are already built into how we sell — so there are no surprise charges waiting at your door.
The short version: Your checkout total is all-in. We ship DDP — Delivered Duty Paid, with UK VAT and any duty already included. No Royal Mail or courier "handling fee" card through your letterbox.
How UK import charges work
Since 2021, the UK collects import VAT at the point of sale for most consumer orders valued at £135 or under — the seller charges UK VAT at checkout rather than the courier billing you later. Goods at or below £135 are also currently relieved of customs duty (confirmed through at least the end of 2026, and due to be phased out by 2029). Above £135, import VAT and duty are assessed at the border.
The catch with many overseas stores: if they don’t handle UK VAT properly, or ship duty-unpaid on higher-value orders, you get a "pay to receive your parcel" message — plus a handling fee on top.
Why it’s different when you order from us
Onaholestore ships DDP — Delivered Duty Paid. We handle UK VAT and any applicable duty, and build them into the single price you pay at checkout.
DDP — Delivered Duty Paid, direct from Tokyo. UK VAT and any duty are already accounted for — nothing waits for you at the border.
You won’t get a customs card, a courier handling fee, or a request to pay before delivery. And because the UK has signalled it will remove the £135 duty relief by 2029, ordering from a store that prepays everything means you’re covered no matter how the rules shift.
What this means for you, in practice
- Your checkout total is final. VAT and any duty are included.
- No Royal Mail / courier "handling fee" card.
- Faster clearance from complete, correct product data.
- Same discreet packaging, direct from Japan.
New to ordering from Japan? See our complete guide to buying from Japan, or our buyer’s guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to pay import VAT or a handling fee on delivery?
No. We ship DDP, so UK VAT and any duty are prepaid and included in your total. Nothing extra to pay at the door.
I got a card asking me to pay to receive my parcel. Is that from you?
No. A genuine Onaholestore order never results in a customs or courier fee for you. Treat it as suspicious and don’t click any link.
What is the £135 threshold?
It’s the value under which UK VAT is charged at the point of sale and customs duty is currently relieved. We account for it so you don’t have to.
Is this changing?
The UK plans to remove the £135 duty relief by 2029. Because we prepay duties and taxes, your experience stays the same regardless.
The bottom line
UK import rules can mean VAT, duty and courier handling fees for cross-border orders. With Onaholestore they mean nothing extra for you — everything is included in the price you see. One price. No surprises. Delivered.