Original cards from JapanProtected shipping: top loader + rigid cardboardShipped within 2 business daysShipped from Italy · No customs−5% from 4 cards−10% from 8 cardsOriginal cards from JapanProtected shipping: top loader + rigid cardboardShipped within 2 business daysShipped from Italy · No customs−5% from 4 cards−10% from 8 cards
ZapFromJapan — carte Pokémon giapponesi originali

Japanese cards

Buying Pokémon cards from Japan: customs, VAT and hidden costs

Updated on 15/10/2026

Buying Pokémon cards from Japan: customs, VAT and hidden costs
50€15€14€10€Card: 50.00 €Shipping from Japan: 15.00 €Import VAT 22% (Italy, on card + shipping): 14.30 €Courier handling fee (example): 10.00 €
Example (Italy): a €50 card shipped from Japan can end up costing about €89.30. VAT rates differ by country and the courier fee varies; both are paid on delivery.

Import VAT

Since 1 July 2021 the European Union no longer has an exemption for small purchases: every parcel arriving from outside the EU pays the VAT of the destination country (22% in Italy, 20% in France, 21% in Spain), calculated on the goods and the shipping.

Customs duties

For low-value shipments duties usually aren't charged, but above €150 in value they may be added on top of the VAT.

The courier fee

The courier that clears the parcel through customs almost always charges a handling fee, paid on delivery together with the VAT. On a small order it can cost more than the VAT itself.

The alternative: Japanese cards already in Europe

We import the cards from Japan and ship them from Italy: the price you see is final, with no VAT to pay on delivery and no customs for countries in the European Union. We ship within 2 working days, in a toploader with rigid cardboard: details on the shipping page.

Latest cards in stock

Chandelure 069/067 — Battle Region

Chandelure

069/067

3,99 €2 pcs
Kleavor 071/067 — Battle Region

Kleavor

071/067

2,49 €1 pcs
Mightyena 072/067 — Battle Region

Mightyena

072/067

3,49 €1 pcs
Hoothoot 073/067 — Battle Region

Hoothoot

073/067

8,79 €4 pcs

Frequently asked questions

Do you pay customs on Pokémon cards from Japan?+
In the EU you always pay import VAT (22% in Italy, 20% in France, 21% in Spain), even on parcels worth a few euros, plus the courier's fee; above €150 in value duties may be added.
How long does shipping from Japan take?+
Usually one to three weeks, longer if the parcel is held at customs.
How can I avoid customs?+
By buying from sellers who ship from within the European Union: the price you see is final.

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