While the head and hands will be vinyl - you have a choice of two different types of body - one is referred to as Cortex and the other as Vinyl. Both body types are pre-built.DHL Demand Surcharge Begins Oct 1, 2025
Effective: October 1, 2025 – February 16, 2026 (JST)
We were informed by DHL yesterday of a new temporary surcharge, now officially announced on their website.
What’s Happening
DHL will be adding Demand Surcharges during their busiest season, citing the need to manage increased operational costs and shipment volumes. This surcharge doesn’t just affect the shipping fee — it becomes part of the total shipping cost declared to customs. This means import duties and taxes may also increase, since they are calculated based on the total amount paid, including shipping.
Please refer to the chart below for detailed surcharge amounts by destination. If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, you may need to pinch to zoom in for a clearer view.
Key Points
- Since the surcharge is included in the total invoice value, duties and taxes may be higher.
- Charges are based on volumetric weight (JPY per kg)
- Fuel surcharge still applies separately
- Rates vary depending on where you’re ordering from and where it’s going
- Charges may increase or change with advance notice
What This Means for You
We know shipping costs are already high, and this added surcharge may be frustrating—especially for those of you who rely on DHL for fast and reliable delivery. To help you plan:
- You might want to order before October 1 or after February 16 to avoid the surcharge window
- Alternatively, consider FedEx, which currently has no similar surcharge
A Note from Us
We’ve been doing our best to absorb many of DHL’s additional charges—like their “remote area” fees—for as long as we can. But with the growing list of seasonal surcharges, it’s become increasingly difficult for us to continue covering all of them without impacting product pricing or operations.
We’ll always keep you informed so you can make the best decision for your budget and timeline.
Thank you for understanding, and as always—thank you for being part of Smart Doll Land.
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