Last year, when I shipped my artwork from Japan to Portugal, I faced a challenge because one of the pieces was too large to send via EMS or similar services. I ended up using a service called “Pochilogi” by Be Forward Co., Ltd., and it worked out very well. Here’s my experience.
First, Japanese postal services have unique size limits for shipments: “Longest side up to 150 cm, total length + girth within 300 cm, weight within 30 kg.” My package, which was about 130x100x10 cm, exceeded these limits.
This left me with options like DHL or FedEx, but their rates were significantly higher. These courier companies often offer discounted rates for corporate contracts or frequent shipments, so using a freight forwarding service can reduce shipping costs.
After comparing several forwarding services, I chose Pochilogi and arranged for my package to be shipped via DHL. Even though Portugal has no direct flights from Japan, the shipment arrived surprisingly quickly. However, I later received a message from the recipient in Portugal asking me to provide the shipping cost because it was needed to calculate customs duties. This puzzled me because, typically, customs duties are calculated based on the value of the contents only.
I contacted Pochilogi for clarification, and they informed me that Portugal calculates customs duties not only on the item value but also on the shipping cost—a system known as CIF pricing. Initially, the invoice I submitted would have resulted in high duties, but Pochilogi kindly prepared a new invoice and sent it to DHL in Portugal. As a result, while I still had to pay duties, they were significantly reduced.
About Customs Duty Calculation
Customs duties differ by country:
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Some countries use CIF pricing, which includes the value of the goods, shipping costs, and insurance when calculating duties.
- FOB (Free on Board): Other countries use FOB pricing, which only considers the value of the goods, excluding shipping and insurance costs.
Portugal uses the CIF method, which is why shipping costs were also taxed.
A Few Tips for Shipping to Portugal
Shipping to Portugal can be challenging due to limited information. I remember reading a blog about how customs duties apply even to personal packages, making it clear that Portugal imposes strict duties. Despite these challenges, I love Portugal for its beautiful architecture, scenery, and friendly people.
One key tip: try to schedule your shipment so it arrives on a Monday. Customs duties must be paid within a certain time frame after arrival, and delays over the weekend could cause your package to be returned to Japan if not processed in time. Waiting over the weekend can be stressful!
Personal Delivery vs. Shipping Services
Carrying artwork as checked luggage on a flight is often the safest option, but stricter immigration inspections have made this more challenging. I’ve heard of cases where people traveling to the U.S. for art events had their entry denied because they carried goods for sale without a business visa. Customs officers can be quite strict.
While I’ve never experienced issues with hand-carrying artworks, it’s clear that customs regulations vary by country, and some places have become stricter.
Why I Recommend Pochilogi
For those living in Japan and struggling with international shipping, I highly recommend Pochilogi by Be Forward Co., Ltd. (This isn’t a sponsored post—I just wanted to share a great experience!)
