Customs Information and Import Charges
Last updated: March 2026
We ship worldwide and want to be fully transparent about what to expect when your order crosses international borders. This page covers customs duties, import fees, country-specific sword regulations, and what to do if your shipment is held by customs.
Who Pays Customs Duties and Import Taxes?
When your order ships from our facility to a destination outside the United States, it may pass through your country's customs authority. Depending on the value of your order and your country's import regulations, customs duties, import taxes, and/or brokerage fees may apply.
These charges are determined and collected by your country's government — not by TrueKatana. As the buyer, you are solely responsible for paying all customs duties, taxes, and fees associated with your order. These costs are not included in the product price or shipping fee shown at checkout.
The $800 USD Threshold (De Minimis)
Under current US export and many countries' import rules, orders valued under $800 USD generally do not incur customs duties. For orders over $800 USD, your country's customs authority may assess duties and taxes based on the declared value, product category, and country of origin.
This threshold varies by country. For example, Canada's de minimis is CAD $20, the EU's is approximately €150, and Australia's is AUD $1,000. We recommend checking your country's specific threshold before placing a large order.
What We Declare on Customs Forms
We declare the actual purchase value on all customs documentation. We do not mark packages as "gifts," undervalue shipments, or misrepresent the contents. This is required by law, and falsifying customs declarations is illegal under both US and international trade regulations.
Country-Specific Sword Import Regulations
Sword and bladed weapon import laws vary significantly by country. Below is a general overview of regulations in major markets. This is not legal advice — laws change frequently, and enforcement can vary. Always verify current regulations with your local customs authority before ordering.
United States
There are no federal restrictions on importing swords for personal use. Some states have specific blade length regulations or restrictions on certain types of concealed blades (e.g., cane swords in California and New York). Swords shipped within the US do not pass through customs.
Canada
Swords are generally legal to import for collection and display purposes. Prohibited items include weapons disguised as everyday objects (e.g., cane swords). The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) may inspect shipments containing bladed items.
United Kingdom
Since 2008, the UK has restricted the import of curved swords with a blade over 50cm. However, swords made using traditional forging methods (which includes all TrueKatana hand-forged products) are exempt from this ban. Additional documentation may be required at customs to verify traditional manufacture. We can provide a certificate of traditional craftsmanship upon request.
European Union
Most EU countries do not ban sword ownership outright, but regulations vary by member state. Some countries restrict postal shipping of bladed items (e.g., Denmark and Greece). In Italy, swords can only be shipped to a commercial address. Germany allows sword ownership for those 18+ with no special permit required for decorative or practice swords. France classifies swords as Category D weapons — legal to own but may require declaration at customs.
Australia
Swords are classified as prohibited weapons in most Australian states, particularly in Victoria (since 2004). You may need a valid collector's permit or exemption to import. We recommend contacting the Australian Border Force and your state's weapons licensing authority before ordering.
New Zealand
Similar to Australia — swords are legal to own but regulated. Import may require a permit depending on the item type. Contact New Zealand Customs before ordering.
Japan
Japan has among the strictest sword laws in the world. Only Japanese-made swords (Nihonto) can be legally owned, and they must be registered with the police. Importing non-Japanese-made swords is effectively prohibited for personal use.
Other Countries
Many other countries have their own specific regulations. If your country is not listed above, we strongly recommend contacting your local customs authority or law enforcement agency to confirm whether sword imports are permitted before placing an order.
What Happens if Your Order Is Held by Customs
If customs holds your shipment, they will typically contact you via mail or email with instructions on how to clear the package. This usually involves:
- Paying the assessed customs duties and/or taxes
- Providing identification or proof of purchase
- In some cases, providing documentation about the product (e.g., proof of traditional manufacture for UK imports)
If you need a certificate of authenticity, proof of traditional craftsmanship, or any other supporting documentation to clear customs, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Refused, Seized, or Destroyed Shipments
If your order is seized or destroyed by customs due to local import restrictions, TrueKatana cannot be held liable and refunds will not be issued. Similarly, if you refuse to pay customs duties and the package is returned to us or abandoned, we are unable to issue a refund.
This is why we strongly encourage all international customers to research their local regulations before ordering. If you have any doubt about whether a product can be legally imported to your country, please contact us before placing your order — we're happy to help you find out.
Questions?
For any customs-related questions, contact our customer service team at customerservice@truekatana.com. We respond within 24 hours.
For general shipping information, visit our Shipping Policy page. For return-related questions, see our Return Policy.