ZenPop Japan: Shipping Updates

Even in 2022, covid is still affecting shipping around the world. We'd also like to bring your attention to some changes linked to the war in Ukraine.

Please refer to this blog post and our FAQs for our latest updates and shipping information.

Our small team is working diligently to answer any questions or concerns you may have, so please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. 

Thank you for your support and understanding during this time. 

At a Glance:

• June 2022 UPDATE - Shipping routes and couriers have changed.
• Shipping fees are now calculated based on pack type and shipping method automatically by the system.
• Some shipping methods are still free. Some shipping methods, including those with no tracking options, will require a fee.
• See Where We're Shipping for delievery time and various shipping method.

Where are we currently shipping?

Shipping routes have greatly changed in the past few months. The reasons are mainly linked to covid and local lockdowns, as well as the war in Ukraine and flight route restrictions.

We're currently shipping via the following shipping methods: ZenExpress, Japan Post Airmail, FedEx, DHL, UPS, EMS and ECMS.

At this time, we are able to ship to nearly 70 countries. When inputting your address upon checkout, you'll see the list of available shipping methods for your destination. If no shipping methods appear, it is possible that shipping is currently not available for your destination.

How long does shipping take?

• ZenExpress: around 3 weeks
• Airmail: 2-4 weeks (some countries may take up to 6 weeks)
• DHL: 3-6 days
• FedEx: 3-6 days
• UPS: about a week (depending on the country)
• ECMS: 2-4 weeks
• EMS: about a week

Country specific information:

Shipping to Australia

From November 2021, Japan Post airmail service is no longer available for Australia.

It is possible to ship all our packs via ZenExpress, and Sweets or Stationery Packs can also be shipped via DHL.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Shipping to Canada

From December, Japan Post no stopped shipping to Canada.at the request of the Canadian postal services. We are now shipping to Canada with ZenExpress and some private couriers like UPS and DHL.

Shipping to the USA

Unfortunately, in November 2021, the Japan Stopped shipping to the USA via airmail at the request of the USPS.

All ZenPop Packs (Ramen, Sweets, Ramen + Sweets Mix and Stationery) previously shipped via airmail will now be shipped via ZenExpress. 

Estimated delivery time via airmail is 3 weeks. Tracking is included with this shipping method.

Stationery Packs can be upgraded to a shipping service with tracking (FedEx, ECMS). Other packs are also available to be shipped with DHL or EMS and some other express couriers for additional fees.

Shipping to Europe and Tax information

Regarding the changes of imports to the EU and additional VAT charges, ZenPop registered with the IOSS in September 2021. All VAT charges are now included in the shipping cost. There will be no further taxes or processing charges to pay at the reception of a pack.

Should postal services still request further payment, please refer them to the mention of the label that reads: "VAT Paid" as well as our IOSS registration number. If you need any further documentation for clearance, please contact us.

Shipping method related information:

Shipping with DHL

From December 2021, DHL is available again for certain packs to be shipped to certain countries. If your country has not been added and is available, please contact us to rectify this.

Custom fees may be charged when delivering via DHL (for example in Peru, as well as other countries). As per our terms of use, the purchaser is responsible for any fees, taxes, or other losses that may arise from importing goods into their country. Find out more on our FAQs.

Shipping with Airmail

Japan Post Airmail service is available to a specific number of countries. 

Delivery time is estimated to be 2-4 weeks. However, due to the reduction of commercial flights, delays are to be expected.

*Some destinations require us to add tracking and insurance to your order.

Shipping with ZenExpress

ZenExpress is our new proprietary shipping service, available to a selected number of countries since November 2021. ZenExpress shipments all come with tracking, and take on average 3 weeks to be delivered. We are currently working on expanding our ZenExpress shipping network to more countries, and hope to add Canada in February 2022 as well as more European and South American countries in the months to come.
 

There is no update on my tracking, what is happening?

Occasionally, some packs will see a lack of updates on the tracking information page. Several reasons could be behind it:

• The pack is currently undergoing an inspection, for example at your country's customs office, during which no updates are made.
• Your pack is currently being processed by a third party agent that has no access to the tracking update system of the courier (unfortunately, this happens regularly).
• A technical issue in the tracking system is preventing tracking information from being displayed properly.
• Your box was forgotten on a shelf by postal services and is not moving.

The above-mentioned reasons are the most common for a lack of updates. Read further to find out what you can do about it.

There is no update on my tracking, what should I do?

If you do not see any update on your tracking information for more than 10 days, please send us a message: [email protected].

We'll be able to look into this for you and contact the shipping company for more information.

You’re not shipping to my country, what can I do?

We’re very sorry that we’re unable to ship to your country at this time. Until recently, ZenPop shipped to 96 countries, and we hope to resume normal shipping as soon as possible.

If you are an Active or Recurring subscriber:

• If you have packs left in your plan, your subscription is on hold, and we will start shipping the then current packs to you when we resume.
• If your plan is set to auto-renew (2nd of the month), you’ll be charged, but you won’t get shipped a pack until shipping resumes.
• Please turn off your auto-renewal if you don’t want to be charged and have your subscription put on hold.
• We can cancel your order and refund any unshipped packs. Please contact us.

Are there Alternative Ordering Options?

We sincerely apologize to our international friends, to whom we are unable to ship to at this time. We hope to resume normal shipping as soon as possible.

In the meantime, most of our current ZenPop Packs are available on our parent site, ZenMarket. As shipping is offered separately on ZenPlus, there may be an acceptable shipping option for you.

Find out more about ordering your ZenPop Pack on ZenMarket.

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