FedEx FDA Clearance Fee FAQ
Q1. What is the basic FDA handling fee?
The basic FDA handling fee applies when products requiring import procedures or additional information for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are shipped via FedEx.
When applicable products are shipped via FedEx through Sendon, a basic FDA handling fee of JPY 4,500 per package will apply.
Q2. When will the basic FDA handling fee apply?
FDA-related fees have already been applied to food products.
After reconfirming the scope of products subject to FedEx FDA clearance fees, we confirmed that certain non-food products are also subject to these fees.
Therefore, for shipments sent on or after September 1, 2026, applicable non-food products will also be subject to a basic FDA handling fee of JPY 4,500 per package.
For food products, the existing fee structure will remain unchanged. In addition to the basic FDA handling fee, an additional fee of JPY 1,000 per product type may apply depending on the contents of the shipment.
Q3. What products are subject to the basic FDA handling fee?
Among products eligible for shipment through Sendon, the fee applies to products that require FDA-related import procedures or additional information when shipped via FedEx.
Main applicable products include:
・Food and food-related products
・Eyeglasses
・Computer monitors
・Laser CD players
・Other products requiring FDA-related import procedures or additional information
Q4. How much is the basic FDA handling fee?
The fee is JPY 4,500 per package.
Even if a single package contains multiple FDA-regulated products, for applicable non-food products, the basic FDA handling fee remains JPY 4,500 per package.
Q5. Is JPY 4,500 the only fee charged for food products?
No. For food products, in addition to the basic FDA handling fee of JPY 4,500 per package, an additional fee of JPY 1,000 per product type may apply depending on the contents of the shipment.
Q6. Does the additional JPY 1,000 per product type also apply to non-food products?
No.
For applicable non-food products, only the basic FDA handling fee of JPY 4,500 per package will apply. The additional JPY 1,000 fee per product type will not be charged.
Q7. Can all FDA-regulated products be shipped through Sendon?
No. FDA compliance or the payment of an FDA-related customs clearance fee does not automatically mean that Sendon can accept and ship the product.
There are two separate considerations: U.S. FDA/customs requirements and Sendon/FedEx shipping restrictions. Some products may be subject to FDA-related customs procedures or fees, but Sendon may still be unable to handle or ship those products due to shipping restrictions.
The following are some of the main types of products that Sendon cannot handle or ship:
- Medical devices
- Pharmaceuticals and medicines
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Beauty products and daily necessities that are intended for direct contact with the skin, such as makeup base, foundation, lip products, detergents, shampoos, and similar items
Therefore, an FDA-related fee or customs clearance procedure should not be considered approval for shipping the product through Sendon. The product must first be confirmed as acceptable under Sendon's shipping restrictions.
Q8. What should I do if I am unsure whether my product is subject to the basic FDA handling fee?
FDA requirements and shipment eligibility may vary depending on the product, its ingredients, and other applicable conditions.
If you are unsure, please contact Sendon Customer Support before proceeding with your shipment.
※Final customs clearance is subject to the decision of the local customs authorities and other relevant regulatory agencies.