🇺🇸 Importing Tatami via Ocean Freight: A Guide for Individual Customers in the USA

Thank you for choosing our authentic Japanese Tatami. While importing bulk items via ocean freight to the U.S. as an individual can seem complex, this guide will help you understand the process and costs involved to ensure a smooth delivery.

1. The "Importer of Record" (IOR) Requirement

In the U.S., every shipment arriving by sea must have a legal Importer of Record.

The Challenge: As an individual, you may not have a business Tax ID (EIN) or a Customs Bond.

Our Solution: We recommend using a Customs Broker or an IOR Agent. They will act as the legal bridge between you and U.S. Customs (CBP), handling all the legal filings on your behalf.

2. Why Ocean Freight (LCL) is Different from Air Mail

Unlike small packages sent via FedEx or DHL, ocean freight requires an ISF (10+2) Filing. This must be submitted to U.S. Customs at least 24 hours before the ship departs Japan. This is why having a broker ready before we ship is crucial.

3. Estimated Fees & Taxes (Typical for Private Imports)

Beyond the cost of the Tatami and the shipping fee you pay to us, you should budget for the following "Destination Charges" payable to your broker/agent:

Category

Estimated Cost (USD)

Description

Customs Brokerage Fee

$150 – $300

Fee for the broker to handle your paperwork.

Single Entry Bond

$50 – $100

A required "insurance" that guarantees duty payment.

ISF Filing Fee

$50 – $100

Fee for the mandatory pre-departure filing.

Port & Warehouse Fees

$200 – $400

Fees for unloading and handling at the NY/NJ port.

Residential Delivery

Varies

Trucking from the warehouse to your home.

4. Natural Rush (Igusa) & Regulations

Good News! As experts in Tatami export, we can confirm that processed natural rush (Igusa) is generally not restricted for import into the USA. It is considered a processed plant product. We provide all necessary documentation to ensure it clears U.S. Customs without the need for a special Import Permit.

5. Recommended Partners

If you do not have a preferred broker, we suggest contacting the following specialists who are experienced in Japan-to-USA logistics:

Nippon Express USA (New York Branch)

Yamato Transport USA

Japan Trust (USA) Inc.

 

How to Get Started:

Contact a Broker: Use the template we provided to ask if they can handle a "Personal Ocean Freight Import."

Sign a POA: You will need to sign a Power of Attorney (POA) to allow the broker to act for you.

Notify Us: Once your broker is assigned, we will coordinate with them to ensure all ISF filings and shipping documents are perfect.

 

When your customer contacts the contractor, 

please have them send the following information exactly as it is, 

so that they know you are an individual who needs professional help.

Subject: Inquiry for Customs Brokerage and IOR Services (Bulk Tatami from Japan)

Dear [Company Name] Team,

I am an individual residing in [City, State], and I am planning to import a bulk quantity of Japanese Tatami Mats from Japan to New York via Ocean Freight (LCL).

Since I am a private individual and do not have a business EIN, I am looking for a professional Customs Broker who can assist with the following:

Importer of Record (IOR) Services: Acting as or setting up the legal importer for this shipment.

Customs Clearance: Handling the ISF filing (10+2) and CBP entry.

Customs Bond: Arranging a Single Entry Bond for this shipment.

Residential Delivery: Coordinating the transport from New York port (CFS) to my home address.

Shipment Details (Estimated):

Commodity: Processed Tatami Mats (Dried Rush Straw)

Quantity: [Number] mats

Total Weight: approx. [Weight] kg

Terms: [e.g., EXW or FOB Japan]

Origin: [Prefecture], Japan

Could you please let me know if you can handle this type of personal import and provide a rough estimate of your fees?

Best regards,

[Customer Name] [Phone Number]