Last updated July 31, 2026

Dear Customers,

Thank you for your continued support of Big Banana TCG. As of July 24, 2026, a 12.5% U.S. import tariff applies to trading card orders shipped from Japan. Big Banana TCG collects this tariff in advance at checkout.

Current U.S. tariff on orders from Japan

• Current tariff rate: 12.5%.
• Effective date: July 24, 2026.
• The tariff applies regardless of order value because duty-free de minimis treatment remains suspended.
• Big Banana TCG collects the tariff in advance at checkout.

Your checkout total includes the product price, shipping, and the tariff collected by Big Banana TCG. This prepaid process is intended to prevent unexpected tariff bills and payment-related delivery delays.

How the tariff rules changed

April 2, 2025: The Trump administration announced reciprocal tariffs

President Trump issued Executive Order 14257 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The order introduced a 10% additional tariff on most imports beginning April 5 and announced a country-specific 24% rate for products of Japan beginning April 9.

April 10, 2025: Japan’s rate was temporarily reduced to 10%

The country-specific rates were paused shortly after taking effect. From April 10, products of Japan were generally subject to the 10% additional tariff while the United States held trade negotiations with its partners.

August 7, 2025: A 15% tariff framework for Japan

Following a U.S.–Japan agreement, the United States established a 15% total tariff framework for most products of Japan. For products such as trading cards whose regular Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duty rate was below 15%, the combined rate became 15%.

August 29, 2025: De minimis treatment was suspended

Until this point, qualifying shipments valued at USD 800 or less per person per day could generally enter without customs duty. The United States then suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for covered low-value shipments from all countries. As a result, the 15% tariff also applied to qualifying trading card orders below USD 800.

February 24–July 24, 2026: Temporary 10% surcharge

On February 20, 2026, the United States ended the additional tariffs imposed under IEEPA, including the previous reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods. A separate 10% import surcharge then applied from February 24 until 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 24, 2026.

The 10% surcharge was imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2132). Section 122 allows the President to impose a temporary import surcharge of up to 15% for no more than 150 days, unless Congress extends it by law, when special import measures are considered necessary to address fundamental international payments problems.

The Section 122 surcharge expired on July 24, 2026. The suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment remained in place.

From July 24, 2026: The current 12.5% rate

New duties under Section 301 took effect on July 24, 2026. For products of Japan, the combined Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duty and the new Section 301 duty is capped at 12.5%.

Trading cards such as Pokémon cards are classified under HTSUS 9504.40.0000. Their regular MFN duty rate is free, so the current total tariff for these products is 12.5%.

How Big Banana TCG handles U.S. orders

• We collect the 12.5% tariff in advance at checkout.
• Courier customs-processing costs are reflected in our shipping rates.
• You should not receive a separate tariff bill from the courier for duties that we have prepaid.

Import rules and customs procedures may change. U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines the final classification and assessment of duties. We will update this page if the applicable treatment changes again.

This page is provided for customer information and is not legal or customs advice.

If you have any questions, please contact us at contact@bigbananatcg.com.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Big Banana TCG