Importing Candles & Home Fragrance from Japan into the United States in 2026 carries a total effective tariff of 27.5% (MFN 3% + bilateral 15%). That figure is the stacked rate applied to the customs value before fees. Use the calculator below for the exact landed cost, including Merchandise Processing and Harbor Maintenance fees.
Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Candles & Home Fragrance from Japan
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for candles & home fragrance follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 3%, plus bilateral deal rate of 15%, plus forced-labor Section 301 duty of 9.5% (effective July 24, 2026, backfilling the lapsed Section 122 surcharge). The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 15%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 27.5%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $2,915.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $13,564.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $148B in goods from Japan in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Key import categories from Japan include passenger vehicles, auto parts components, industrial machinery, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Candles & Home Fragrance represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from Japan.
What Section 122's Lapse Means for This Import
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026, but the bilateral trade agreement rate of 15% for Japan persists independent of that lapse and applies in place of the general surcharge. The total effective rate on candles & home fragrance therefore remains 27.5%. Importers should monitor developments in the bilateral relationship and any potential changes to the negotiated rate structure.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Candles & Home Fragrance
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on candles & home fragrance may consider sourcing from South Korea (effective rate 27.5%); Germany (effective rate 25%, saving approximately 2.5 percentage points); Taiwan (effective rate 25%, saving approximately 2.5 percentage points). Compared to Japan's total effective rate of 27.5%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Related Context
Miscellaneous Consumer Goods
NAICS 339Port of Los Angeles
consumer-electronicsTypically handles cargo like Candles & Home Fragrance — view port details, terminal info, and dwell times.
View port details →Japan has imposed retaliatory tariffs targeting 1 US export product.
View retaliation details →Tariff Timeline for Japan
Section 232 steel/aluminum raised to 50%
Section 232 25% tariff on Japanese autos takes effect
Section 122 uniform 10% surcharge enacted
Japan bilateral deal at 15% takes effect (de facto)
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Candles & Home Fragrance from Japan is 27.5%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 3%; Bilateral deal rate: 15%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 27.5%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Candles & Home Fragrance from Japan, you can expect to pay approximately $2,750.00 in total duties at the current rate of 27.5%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $12,750.00, representing an effective cost increase of 27.5% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
The standard Section 122 surcharge has been replaced by a bilateral deal rate of 15% for Japan. This bilateral agreement, effective since 2026-03-01, supersedes the general Section 122 rate. The bilateral rate applies instead of (not in addition to) the Section 122 surcharge.
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026, but the bilateral deal rate of 15% for Japan persists independent of that lapse. This bilateral agreement, effective since 2026-03-01, applies in place of the general Section 122 surcharge. The total tariff on Candles & Home Fragrance therefore remains 27.5%.
For Candles & Home Fragrance, alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of Japan include South Korea (effective rate: 27.5%), Germany (effective rate: 25%), Taiwan (effective rate: 25%). Compared to Japan's total effective rate of 27.5%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.