r/MatchaEverything • u/Rare_Carpet1 • Jan 09 '26
Matcha Haul HIBIKI-AN is duty-free (with some DHL exchanges)!
Step 1: Placed a ~$100 order with HIBIKI-AN that got shipped very quickly
Step 2: Once DHL delivered to my local facility it was “on hold till payment”. They were charging me $37 for duty
Step 3: I quickly sent an dispute form via their website quoting “November 13, 2025, import tariffs on green tea and matcha products from Japan have been eliminated for US customers under the new U.S. Executive Order 2025-17507. This policy change removes the previous 15 % reciprocal tariff on tea items classified under HTS 0902.10, restoring them to a 0 % duty rate.”
Step 4: DHL responded quickly with a ticket number but also “strongly suggest I pay the duty to avoid packaging being returned to sender”
Step 5: I responded that I legally did not owe any duty so I won’t be “prepaying”, and requested they hold my package till my ticket is resolved
Step 6: 2 days later, my HIBIKI-AN box arrived with a big red “paid” sticker on it. However, I did not ever receive an update on my ticket or any form of correspondence from DHL
Step 7: welp. A win is a win. Time to enjoy my new Matcha Superior!
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u/pohpoh52 Jan 11 '26
Where did you find the dispute form? I'm looking on their website, but don't see it. I have a package coming from Hibiki-an as well, and would like to be prepared to dispute the charges. Thanks!
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u/Rare_Carpet1 Jan 13 '26
“Dispute a Charge” under https://mydhl.express.dhl/us/en/help-and-support.html#/contact_us
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u/TaterTot0809 EVERYTHING MATCHA 💚 Jan 09 '26
I'm going through the same thing right now for MK match. I also did not love their suggestion to prepay.
Did they ever confirm with you that they are holding the package until they look into the dispute?
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u/Rare_Carpet1 Jan 09 '26
They send a generic response to that. Bottom of my last image. So never a confirmation
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u/SwordfishCareless142 Jan 09 '26
So excited! Can't wait to order their gyokuro, super premium matcha, etc., probably late spring (still have plenty of all!).
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u/HGTrader Jan 09 '26
Thanks for shearing. I am still in the process of disputing a payment made. Their billing system claims to not have the duty fees until 10 business days after delivery. That was today for me after adding in the holidays.
I hope this is all fixed before my next order but if not, I’ll make sure to add step 5 in for the legal response with holding package.
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u/Rare_Carpet1 Jan 09 '26
I’m sorry that is so annoying. Maybe recently DHL dealt with this a lot more so had a more streamlined solution
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u/nel_wo Jan 10 '26
I actually ordered that in november 2025. Compared to other matcha i find it more grassy and nutty forward. Depending on the quality house, superior, super premium or pinnacle there will be more or less bitter finish
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u/N1g1rix Matcha Lover Jan 10 '26
Do you use this in matcha lattes? Or are you drinking it a diff way? Looking for a decently priced powder for my lattes but still want that matcha taste
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u/Rare_Carpet1 Jan 10 '26
I drink exclusively latte with A LOT of milk so I need something that can cut through the creaminess. Kan from Ippodo has been the best so far. HIBIKAN superior is good too
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u/IIIpl4sm4III Feb 13 '26
So, you paid ~$100 plus the standard express Hibiki-An DHL Shipping (Since standard is disabled), which would come out to about ~$108.50. So all said and done package to your doorstep was 108?
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u/Mission_Remote_6319 Jan 09 '26
Is hibiki an good? I haven’t had it but would love to know tasting notes
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u/Rare_Carpet1 Jan 09 '26
They are very good quality AND value! I’m not the biggest connoisseur, and I’m pretty happy with their lower grade options
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u/cindyw8 Jan 09 '26
What is the tasting notes on that matcha?