= IMPORTANT =
For Level 3 and Level 4 applicants
:

1) Label each temari with your name and membership number.

2) How to write attached invoice
<== very important!!
Japan has strict laws on importation duties(taxes)
regardless of type of items. It is based on the value of the item as well as shipping costs. The duty is a combination tax(5.5%) and consumption tax(8% now). Whether or not a package is flagged to have duty paid on it depends on inspectors receiving shipment. In order to help minimize chance of being charaged, please use following info when completing cutoms form:

*) List as "set" or "group" of temari, rather than # of individual pieces (for example, one line item as "1 set of Temari").
*) Purpose of goods is "gift" (to Japan Temari Association ).
*) Do not include labor costs when figuring value. Use only estimate of material cost.
*) Try keep total cost (contents plus shipping) under $85USD(10,000JPyen).

I have several times needed to pay duty tax on student work in order to receive it to send to JTA. I have been to research it to add this item, but they will change at their discretion in future. I have no control over import clearnce; it is solely at inspector's wishes. Because of this, Please always be prepare additional expenses about $25USD duty when your temari might be charged it. When your temari imposed it , I will charge you later by PayPal invice with providing receipt.

2) Be sure to package your temari securely and follow all postal requirements to prevent delay in mailing/delivery.  You may want to use special services mail options (for example, EMS/Express) to allow for special handling and tracking information.
**Please note that I cannot be responsible for lost packages, late delivery, or damages.


3) It is possible to have all of the temari you send to JTA for judging returned to you, but the applicant must cover all costs involved. This includes but may not be limited to: all postage from JTA to me, all postage from me to you, PayPal fees, and a handling fee of 1,000yen (US$10). Temari that the JTA keeps are used to help JTA in various ways: temari and designs may be used in future JTA books, used to help teach, used in the museum and traveling displays, and/or be sold to help support JTA. When these temari are sold, the makers are listed and thanked in the JTA newsletter.