This page contains the most up-to-date policies. In the case that there is a discrepancy with information written elsewhere, this page is to be considered the policy currently in force.
SHIPPING IN TIMES OF COVID-19
Strict regulations on air-traffic and international transport are being imposed while the COVID-19 pandemic is raging through the world. Restrictions are being imposed on the shipping methods we offer.
Therefore we can’t guarantee any deliveries using airmail, e-packet or EMS Express shipping through international post services.
To accommodate the insecurity and uncertainty with mail services, we have started to offer secure, rapid and traceable shipping via DHL.
Choosing a shipping option other than DHL is at your own risk. Doing so you acknowledge that parcels may take longer than usual to deliver.
SHIPPING METHODS AND RATES
Shipping rates are based on the weight of the total shipment and the shipping method. Shipping rates are calculated to include handling, packaging, and in particular cases extra fees and labor necessary for export from Japan.
Shipping options are available for selection at checkout after having entered your shipping details. Shipping rates for each option are automatically calculated based on the total weight of the order.
Our products are shipped exclusively via Japan’s postal service system, Japan Post, which works in cooperation with the postal service in your country to deliver your items. Or via DHL
The available shipping methods are listed below:
Airmail Small Packets [Standard airmail, 1 – 2 weeks]
AIRMAIL shipments are processed through Japan Post’s international Airmail service; have standard delivery expectations; and will reach destination at the speed of regular mail.
AIRMAIL
Availability: Worldwide. (with limitation of certain regions)
No insurance; No tracking. Ship-at-your-own-risk. You are responsible for the entire shipment.
We can’t be responsible for loss of goods and won’t reimburse you in case a shipment doesn’t arrive.
TIME FROM SHIPMENT: 1 to 2 weeks calculated in business days.
**Loading mail items onto airplanes is expected to take considerable time due to the shortage of cargo space caused by the reduction of flights.
AIRMAIL shipping rates to countries OTHER THAN USA are calculated according to the numbers indicated in the table below:
| 0g > 300g | USD 8.00 |
| 300g > 500g | USD 12.00 |
| 500g > 800g | USD 15.00 |
| 800g > 1kg | USD 20.00 |
| 1kg > 1.5kg | USD 25.00 |
| 1.5kg > 2kg | USD 30.00 |
AIRMAIL shipping rates to the United States of America are calculated according to the numbers indicated in the table below:
| 0g > 300g | USD 12.00 |
| 300g > 500g | USD 14.00 |
| 500g > 800g | USD 18.00 |
| 800g > 1kg | USD 21.00 |
| 1kg > 1.5kg | USD 27.00 |
| 1.5kg > 2kg | USD 34.00 |
International e-Packet [Airmail, Basic Tracking included, 1 – 2 weeks]
e-PACKET shipments are discounted international registered airmail small packets. Basic tracking is available for most countries. Insurance is included up to USD 60.
e-PACKET
e-PACKET delivery is safer, and is traceable with a tracking number.
Availability: Europe, Oceania, Middle East. (with limitation of certain regions.) Not available for U.S. orders.
Tracking by tracking number included. Insured up to USD 60.
TIME: 1~2 weeks. Shipped by registered airmail. (Please note that additional delays might occur during busy holiday seasons and similar time periods.)
e-Packet shipping rates are calculated according to the numbers indicated in the table below:
| 0g > 300g | USD 12.00 |
| 300g > 500g | USD 15.00 |
| 500g > 800g | USD 20.00 |
| 800g > 1kg | USD 25.00 |
| 1kg > 1.5kg | USD 30.00 |
| 1.5kg > 2kg | USD 35.00 |
EMS Express Shipping [Tracking included, 1 week]
EXPRESS shipments are processed through the “Express Mail Service” (EMS) for a rapid delivery.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS Delivery is faster, has a more precise schedule and is traceable with a tracking number. It is also insured up to USD 200,- for loss of shipment.
Availability: Worldwide (with limitation of certain regions. Check if your area is available for express shipping here: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/ems/country/all_en.html)
Insurance up to $200
Tracking by tracking number included.
TIME: 3-6 business days. Shipped express by airmail through EMS.
EXPRESS shipping rates are calculated according to the numbers indicated in the table below:
| China, Taiwan, Korea | Rest of Asia | Europe, Oceania, Middle East | United States, Africa | |
| 0g > 500g | USD 14.50 | USD 19.00 | USD 32.00 | USD 40.00 |
| 500g > 600g | USD 16.00 | USD 21.50 | USD 34.00 | USD 42.00 |
| 600g > 700g | USD 17.50 | USD 24.00 | USD 37.00 | USD 45.00 |
| 700g > 800g | USD 19.00 | USD 26.50 | USD 39.00 | USD 48.00 |
| 800g > 900g | USD 20.50 | USD 29.00 | USD 42.00 | USD 51.00 |
| 900g > 1kg | USD 22.00 | USD 31.50 | USD 44.00 | USD 53.00 |
| 1kg > 1.25kg | USD 25.00 | USD 35.00 | USD 50.00 | USD 60.00 |
| 1.25kg > 1.5kg | USD 28.00 | USD 38.50 | USD 56.00 | USD 66.00 |
| 1.5kg > 2kg | USD 34.00 | USD 45.50 | USD 67.00 | USD 80.00 |
| 2kg > 3kg | USD 44.00 | USD 57.50 | USD 90.00 | USD 120.00 |
| 3kg > 4kg | USD 54.00 | USD 69.50 | USD 110.00 | USD 130.00 |
DHL Express Shipping [Tracking included, 2~4 days]
DHL EXPRESS shipments are processed via DHL for a secure and speedy delivery.
DHL EXPRESS
DHL EXPRESS Delivery is expedited and certain.It has a very precise schedule and offers multiple options for tracking and delivery..
Availability: Worldwide (with limitation of certain regions.)
Insured for non-delivery.
Tracking by tracking number included.
TIME: 2-4 business days. Shipped express DHL.
DHL EXPRESS shipping rates are calculated according to the numbers indicated in the table below:
| ZONE 1 (Korea, Taiwan) | ZONE 2 (China, Hong Kong) | ZONE 3 (Thai, Malaysia) | ZONE 4 (India, Australia) | ZONE 5 (USA, Canada) | ZONE 6 (Europe) | ZONE 7 (Russia, Ukraine) | ZONE 8 (South America) | ZONE 9 (Africa, Middle East) | |
| ~2kg | USD 18.00 | USD 19.00 | USD 20.00 | USD 34.00 | USD 32.00 | USD 33.00 | USD 38.00 | USD 40.00 | USD 42.00 |
| ~5kg | USD 27.00 | USD 28.00 | USD 34.00 | USD 78.00 | USD 78.00 | USD 68.00 | USD 93.00 | USD 95.00 | USD 97.00 |
For shipments over 4kg total, please inquire with us directly via email at contact@the-tea-crane.com.
**Times are approximate, and may depend on your country, region, or other circumstances. Please note that we don’t guarantee exact delivery times and dates.
To track your package, please follow the link in the confirmation email we will send you when the shipment has been dispatched. (Only available for EXPRESS delivery)
PROCESSING
Processing of orders generally requires 2-3 business days. In some cases, due to inventory or backlog, it may require longer. A notice will be sent to you when your item is shipped.
NON-DELIVERY, LOSS OF SHIPMENT
Neither The Tea Crane nor its Partners are responsible for loss or non-delivery of a shipment after it has been sent from Japan.
If a tracking number is available for the shipment (EXPRESS), we will reship the package in the case of loss by the postal service. However, in the event of non-delivery due to failure to accept the shipment, we will reship the order after it has returned to us (requires approximately 3 months). In this case, cost of shipping must be borne by the customer.
DAMAGE TO SHIPMENT
In the event of damage to a shipment, please contact us immediately and we will attempt to rectify the situation to the best of our ability. Photographic evidence is required, and must be submitted to us at contact@the-tea-crane.com within 7 days of arrival. Please take photographs immediately upon arrival if you believe something is wrong with the shipment.
RETURNS & REFUNDS
In general, all sales on this Website are final. However, we may accept returns and/or refunds on a case by case basis if your package has arrived damaged or defective in some way. Please be sure to take photographic evidence and contact us immediately.
CUSTOMS & IMPORT TAXES
Please note that customs regulations vary from country to country and officials in various countries may inspect your shipment, including intrusive inspection (opening of your package). Neither The Tea Crane nor its Partners can guarantee any method to prevent this from happening. We are also unable to mark items as “gifts” as this is both illegal and has no bearing on whether a package is or is not inspected. You are responsible for any import taxes or other duties that may be charged by the customs and postal services of your country.
Only a few countries prohibit the importing tea leaves
Nigeria
Colombia
Sri Lanka
Taxes other than customs duty, for example, VAT (Value-Added Tax), may be imposed upon receipt of the parcel (mostly applicable for EU countries). It depends on the regulations of your country, order contents, order amount, etc. The Tea Crane won’t charge you any taxes with your order payment for international shipments. For more details about what taxes may be required in your country, please contact the tax or customs authority in your country.
In addition, the information on Customs Duties included above is based on our good understanding only. We are not responsible if this information is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Choosing a shipping option without tracking and insurance when a shipping option with tracking and insurance (EXPRESS Airmail) is available, represents your recognition of the inherent risks involved with these international shipping methods. As such, you agree to waive your right to claim non-arrival in the event that a delivery does not reach its destination.
Last Revised: Sep 18, 2022
