I sold a $5,000 Pokemon trophy card to a buyer in Tokyo. I shipped it USPS Priority International. The tracking stopped at “Processed through Regional Facility” in Los Angeles and never updated again. I filed a claim, and the post office told me, “International indemnity limits vary by country,” and for Japan, the limit on that specific service class was significantly lower than my sale price.
Key Takeaways
- Territorial Limits: Your personal collectibles policy might only cover “Continental US and Canada.” Shipping to Japan requires a “Worldwide” endorsement or separate transit insurance.
- Carrier Liability Caps: USPS and FedEx have strict limits on international jewelry/collectibles liability. FedEx often caps it at $1,000 for “items of extraordinary value.”
- Customs Seizure: Insurance covers loss and damage. It never covers Customs seizing the item because you undervalued it on the commercial invoice.
- Third-Party is King: Using a service like ParcelGuard or Shipsurance is often the only way to get full value coverage for international card shipments.
The “Why” (The Ocean Gap)
Once it leaves US soil, tracking gets spotty and liability gets complex.
“This policy does not cover property while in the custody of the postal service… outside the policy territory.”
The Investigation: Getting it to Tokyo
I quoted shipping a $5k card to Japan.
1. FedEx International Priority
- Cost: $120.
- Insurance: “Declared Value” costs extra, but fine print limits collectibles to $1,000. Risky.
2. USPS Registered Mail Int’l
- Cost: $60.
- Insurance: High security, but slow (4 weeks). Indemnity limits exist.
3. Shipsurance (via PirateShip/eBay)
- Cost: ~$50 for insurance.
- Insurance: Covered. They pay out if lost, provided you have the drop-off receipt.
Comparison Table
| Method | Speed | Insurance Limit | Risk |
| FedEx Direct | Fast | $1,000 Cap | High |
| USPS Priority | Med | Variable | Med |
| 3rd Party Insured | Med | Full Value | Low |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Declare Full Value: Do not lie on the customs form to save the buyer taxes. If you declare $50 and it gets lost, insurance pays you $50.
- Use Third-Party Insurance: Buy coverage from a specialized cargo insurer.
- Double Box: International packages get crushed. Box inside a box.
FAQ
Does the buyer pay the import tax?
Yes. If they refuse to pay and the package is “abandoned” at customs, insurance does not cover that loss.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Customs Declaration form with “Trading Cards” and value filled out]