Frequently Asked Questions About VAT

Q: What is VAT?

A: VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It’s a consumption tax applied to goods in many countries. Customers in regions like the EU and the UK may be required to pay VAT when purchasing products from abroad, depending on certain local regulations and criteria.

Q: Do I need to pay VAT when ordering from your shop?

A: If you're in the EU or UK and placing a one-time order (e.g., from TokyoTreat MiniMart, Sakuraco Shop, ICHIGO App, or JapanHaul), VAT applies. But don’t worry! You can pay it upfront during checkout on our site or app, so there won’t be any unexpected fees when your package arrives.

Q: Does VAT cover all shipping methods?

A: Currently, VAT is only applied to orders using Standard Shipping. We’re working on expanding this in the future, so stay tuned for updates.

Q: How is VAT calculated?

A: VAT is calculated based on the product price only; it does not include shipping fees or discounts. If you use a coupon, it only reduces the product price, not the VAT or shipping cost.

Q: Can I use gift cards or XP points to pay for VAT?

A: Yes! Gift cards and XP points can be used to pay for VAT at checkout.

Q: How will I pay the VAT?

A: You can conveniently pay the VAT at checkout, directly on our website or app. This means no extra costs later or unexpected charges when your package arrives!

Q: Will I see the VAT before I pay?

A: Yes! The exact VAT amount will be shown at checkout, so you’ll know the total cost before completing your purchase.

Q: Does this apply to all products?

A: This only applies to one-off (non-subscription) products. If you’re buying a subscription box along with a one-off product, VAT will only be shown and charged for the one-off items.

Q: Can I remove or opt out of VAT at checkout?

A: No, VAT is automatically included in eligible orders for customers in the EU and UK. It cannot be turned off.

Q: When I'm about to complete my purchase, it doesn’t show that I can pay VAT through your site. Instead, it says I need to pay VAT separately. Why is that?

A: This usually means that the shipping method you have selected doesn’t support VAT prepayment through our site or app, or the taxable amount is below the threshold set by our current policy. In this case, VAT will need to be paid directly to your local customs authority upon delivery.