Topic: Japanese Retro Order via EMS Shipping

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a huge lot of boxed Nintendo retro goodies (3x consoles and about 25 games) from ebay in Japan. The total weight of the package is about 10 Kg/ 22 lbs. Unfortunately the communication with the seller is a little bit slow and today I received an automatic invoice (the last auction ended a week ago) with a EMS shipping fee of 236 $... Oo
This is more than 2/3 of the overall price of the items. The official website of the Japan Post says that a delivery via EMS to Europe regarding a package of up to 10 Kg costs 16,200 yen, which would be around 163 $. I contacted the seller again to clarify the shipping details, but my next concern is the customs. I live in Germany. Has somebody made any experiences with EMS shipping from Japan to Europe. I know that the customs policy differs from country to country. But every hint could be usefull. =)

For starters: Will the expensive shipping fee also be declared by the customs; or only the actual invoice value of the goods???

Bloody customs. While I've not had any problems with orders from Japan (most expensive for me was £60 on a Japanese boxed GBA e-reader) to the UK, I've had two cases with USA items.

One case, I ordered two t-shirts from www.welovefine.com and my advise, don't bother if you don't live in the USA. The order + packing cost £50 and the idiots put it in this big box with this kids mat (I wasn't even sure if it was acting as foam or not). Guess what, customs looked at it and charged me an extra £20, yes a bloody extra £20, making two t-shirts cost £70 in total. WHY DO CUSTOM FEES EXISTS!? ROBBING GITS!

My Mum years ago order Donkey Konga (US version with Bongos) for my birthday (the US version had different songs on), and a similar thing happened. Charged a stupid custom fee, which meant I had an expensive birthday present (I think it was £80 in total, but I can't remember). My Mum wasn't pleased.

I have heard they usually don't care for items under £50 or small packets. Since your items costs way more than that and is a big item, it most likely won't escape customs nose. Honestly, if they charge you a ridiculous fee (like another $100), I would go and complain. You have already been screwed enough.

EDIT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs

Germany
"Up to €22 there are no taxes (it is free). From €22 up to €150, it is necessary to pay VAT (EUSt in Germany) which is 7 or 19%, depending on the goods. From €150 it is necessary to pay VAT and customs."

Sorry buddy.

Oh man... That is going to be a pricey affair. But thanks for the effort.
Maybe I should look for European shops who deal with Japanese software in the future...
Does anyone know good shops across Europe which have a wide variety of Japanese Nintendo retro software in stock?