Shipping & Import Guide — By Country

We ship worldwide from Tokyo, Japan

We handle the entire export process. You don't need to do any paperwork on the Japanese side. Here's what you need to know for your country.

United States 🇺🇸

  • Legal? Yes. Antique Japanese swords are legal to own and import. They are classified as antiques/art, not weapons, at the federal level.
  • Duties: Antiques over 100 years old enter duty-free. Newer swords may be subject to import duty. State laws vary — check your state regulations.
  • Shipping: EMS is used

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

  • Legal? Yes, with conditions. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 exempts antique swords (made before 1954) and swords of "traditional" manufacture. Our nihonto qualify under both exemptions.
  • Duties: VAT (20%) applies on the declared value. Customs may also apply a small import duty.
  • Shipping: Contact us before ordering. Some carriers no longer ship bladed items to the UK. We will confirm the best route for your order.

Canada 🇨🇦

  • Legal? Yes. Japanese swords are not classified as prohibited weapons in Canada. They fall under the exemption for antiques and traditional weapons.
  • Duties: GST/HST applies. Antiques over 100 years may qualify for reduced duty.
  • Shipping: EMS or private carrier. Standard timeline.

Germany 🇩🇪

  • Legal? Yes. Antique swords are exempt from the Waffengesetz (weapons law) as collector and historical items.
  • Duties: EU VAT (19%) applies on the total value including shipping.
  • Shipping: EMS available. Standard timeline.

France 🇫🇷

  • Legal? Yes. Japanese swords are classified as Category D weapons (free acquisition and possession for adults). No permit needed.
  • Duties: EU VAT (20%) applies.
  • Shipping: EMS available. Standard timeline.

Australia 🇦🇺

  • Legal? It depends on your state. Most states allow import of antique swords with proper documentation. Contact us before ordering so we can confirm the requirements for your state.
  • Duties: GST (10%) applies.
  • Shipping: EMS or private carrier depending on availability.

Other countries

We have shipped to Mexico, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and more. If your country is not listed above, contact us and we'll confirm whether we can ship to you and what to expect.

General shipping information

  • Carrier: EMS (Japan Post) where available, private carrier where EMS is suspended.
  • Insurance: All shipments are insured for the full declared value.
  • Packaging: Professional double-boxing with foam padding and blade protection. We've shipped hundreds of swords without a single damage claim.
  • Tracking: You receive a tracking number as soon as the sword ships.
  • Import duties and taxes are not included in the sword price. They are collected by your country's customs authority upon delivery. This is standard for all international purchases.

Questions? Contact us — we reply within 24 hours.