ordering items and paying duties/taxes from Japan or overseas
 

I'm considering ordering a part from either a vendor here, or directly from overseas in Japan.

Have any of you ordered a part, and had to pay duties on it when you took delivery? I've read that I could pay anywhere between nothing, and 5% of the estimated cost of the goods.

I've ordered camera equipment (valued between $300-800) from China, Japan, and other gear from eastern Europe, and have never had to pay duties or taxes before.

Correct.

All depends on carrier + declared value.

USPS will most likely not charge you.
I got hit with a $32 FedEx Customs fee when I ordered 4 sets of the underpanels last year.

-alex