Archive: Author: Toshihiro Egawa

Dear friends and collectors,

I am delighted to share some excellent news regarding shipping fees for the United States and Canada.

Following my previous update concerning the temporary changes in international shipping charges, I am pleased to announce that the Japan Post has recently lifted the emergency surcharge for regular UGX shipments destined for the U.S. and Canada.

This positive development allows me to immediately adjust the shipping costs downwards. On average, this change results in a reduction of approximately $35 USD for each weight category.

My primary goal remains the safe and reliable delivery of your valued artworks. I sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support during the previous period of higher shipping costs. It is a genuine pleasure to be able to pass these savings back to you.

Thank you for your understanding and for being a part of my artistic journey.

With deep gratitude, Toshihiro Egawa

アメリカおよびカナダ向けの送料について、大変喜ばしいお知らせがあります。

以前、国際配送料の一時的な変更についてお知らせしましたが、この度、日本郵便がアメリカおよびカナダ宛ての通常UGX（国際eパケットライト等）に対する緊急追加手数料を解除したことをご報告いたします。

この好ましい状況変化に伴い、配送料を直ちに引き下げることが可能となりました。この変更により、平均してそれぞれの重量区分で約35米ドルの値下げとなります。

私の最優先事項は、皆様の大切な作品を安全かつ確実にお届けし続けることです。以前の配送料が高騰していた期間における皆様のご理解と変わらぬご支援に、心から感謝申し上げます。今回の節約分を皆様に還元できることを心より嬉しく思います。

ご理解と、私の芸術活動を支えてくださることへの感謝を込めて。

江川敏弘

IMPORTANT SHIPPING UPDATE: The situation has improved and the emergency surcharge has been lifted, resulting in a significant reduction in shipping fees for the U.S. and Canada. Please click here for the most current information and details of the price adjustment. (Posted: November 12, 2025)

Dear friends and collectors,

I would like to share an important update regarding shipments to the United States. Due to recent changes in U.S. trade policy, the Japan Post EMS service has temporarily suspended delivery to the U.S. As a result, I am now required to use an alternative carrier, which unfortunately comes with significantly higher costs.

Because of this, I have had to adjust the shipping fees for U.S. orders. This change was not an easy decision, but it was necessary in order to continue delivering my artworks safely and reliably to you.

I deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support. Please know that these adjustments apply only to shipments to the United States, and I will keep you informed of any further updates as the situation evolves.

With gratitude,
Toshihiro Egawa

【重要なお知らせ】状況が改善し、緊急追加手数料が解除されたため、アメリカおよびカナダ向けの配送料が大幅に引き下げられました。最新の情報と値下げの詳細については、こちらをクリックしてご覧ください。（掲載日：2025年11月12日）

親愛なる皆さまへ

アメリカへの発送に関して、大切なお知らせがあります。最近のアメリカの通商政策の影響に伴い、日本郵便のEMSサービスが一時的にアメリカ宛の配送を停止しております。そのため、代替の配送業者を利用せざるを得ず、残念ながら送料が大幅に高くなってしまいました。

このため、アメリカ向けの注文に関して、送料を見直さざるを得ませんでした。この変更は私にとっても簡単な決断ではありませんが、皆さまに作品を安全かつ確実にお届けするために必要かと存じます。

ご理解と変わらぬご支援に心から感謝申し上げます。
この調整はアメリカ向け発送にのみ適用されるものであり、今後の状況についても随時お知らせいたします。

感謝を込めて

江川敏弘

Dear collectors and friends,

I would like to correct and clarify some of the information I previously shared regarding EU and UK import requirements.

1. EORI Numbers

• For private individuals purchasing artwork for personal use, no EORI number is required when importing into the EU or the UK.
• EORI numbers are only required if the buyer acts as a business importer (for example, purchasing through a company or for commercial use).
• In almost all cases of art collectors purchasing directly from me, you do not need to worry about this requirement.

2. VAT (Value Added Tax)

• EU:
  • If I use the IOSS system for shipments under €150, VAT can be collected at the time of purchase.
  • If not, VAT will be collected by customs upon delivery.
• UK:
  • For shipments valued at £135 or below, UK law requires the seller to charge VAT at the point of sale and remit it to HMRC.
  • For shipments over £135, VAT and any duties are collected by UK customs from the buyer at delivery.

3. What this means for you as a customer

• In general, you do not need to take any extra steps such as obtaining an EORI number.
• Depending on the shipment value and the country, VAT may be collected either at checkout or at the time of delivery.

I hope this clarification helps. My aim is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible so you can simply enjoy the artwork without concern about complicated procedures.

With gratitude,
Toshihiro

コレクターの皆様へ

以前ご案内したEUおよび英国での輸入手続きに関して、訂正と補足をさせていただきます。

1. EORI番号について

• 個人のお客様が個人利用のためにアートを購入される場合、EORI番号は不要です。
• EORI番号が必要となるのは、事業者として輸入する場合（例：会社名義での購入や商業利用を目的とする場合）のみです。
• したがって、私から直接アートを購入いただく多くのケースでは、お客様に特別な手続きは一切必要ありません。

2. VAT（付加価値税）について

• EU：
  • 150ユーロ以下の取引では、IOSS制度を利用すれば販売時にVATを徴収できます。
  • IOSSを利用しない場合は、配送時に税関からVATが請求されます。
• 英国：
  • 135ポンド以下の取引では、販売者が購入時にVATを課し、英国税務当局に納付する義務があります。
  • 135ポンドを超える取引では、VATや関税は配送時に税関より請求されます。

3. お客様への影響

• 通常、お客様自身でEORI番号を取得するなどの手続きは必要ありません。
• VATについては、国や金額に応じて「購入時」または「配送時」に発生する場合があります。

できる限りわかりやすく透明性を持って対応し、安心して作品をお受け取りいただけるよう努めます。

心からの感謝を込めて
Toshihiro

Note (Update – August 23, 2025): Some of the information in this article has since been corrected and clarified.
Please see the updated post here: Important Update: Clarification on EORI and VAT for EU and UK Customers.

As an independent artist, I personally manage all transactions and shipments for my artworks. In doing so, I strive to provide the best possible experience for my international customers. However, international shipping regulations can be complex, and I recently discovered that some of the information in my previous notice was too limited in scope.

Previously, I mentioned that customers in the Eurozone may be required to have an EORI Number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). However, after further review, I have learned that this requirement is not limited to the EU alone. Customers in the UK may also need to provide an EORI Number when importing high-value artworks.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

• Private individuals usually do not need an EORI Number. However, when importing high-value items, an EORI Number may be required by customs authorities.
• If the artwork is being shipped to a business address (such as an office, hospital, or salon), customs may classify the shipment as a business import rather than a personal import.
• In such cases, an EORI Number may be required, and additional customs procedures may apply.
• If an EORI Number is required but not provided, the shipment may be held at customs, leading to delays and potential storage fees.

If you already have an EORI Number, please enter it in the ‘Order notes (optional)’ section when placing your order.

What About VAT?

Many customers have also asked whether I, as the seller, need to collect VAT. To clarify:

• I do not collect VAT. Any import duties or VAT are the responsibility of the customer.
• VAT may be charged by the customs authorities of your country when the artwork arrives.
• I highly recommend checking with your local customs office before making a purchase to avoid unexpected fees.

My Commitment to My Customers

Handling international shipments as an independent artist can be challenging, but I remain committed to ensuring a smooth process for my customers worldwide. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate these complexities to bring my art to you.

If you have any questions regarding your country’s customs regulations, please consult your local customs office.

Thank you for your continued support!

Toshihiro Egawa