I work in Customs brokerage (and have cleared a lot of shipments from End Clothing). If the value of the goods is under $200.00, Customs doesn't really care about the shipment and it should get released duty-free as a low-value exemption without any issues.
Customs makes no distinction between shipments sent from businesses or individuals. The value of the shipment is the first determining factor on when they charge duties and taxes. After that, it just depends on what's in the shipment. Some stuff like computers and computer equipment are duty-free. Other stuff like clothing and shoes generally have the highest duty rates (anywhere from about 2% to over 30% of the value). But, again, only shipments over $200.00 require a Customs entry and they'll release almost anything under that value duty-free.
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]I've always been charged $50+ for stuff from my buddy in Japan. my friend who orders from businesses told me he hasn't been charged. what is the criteria for getting charged? one shipment was under $200 but I still got charged? also what is the process for protesting the charge? I feel like it's a flawed process because the USPS lady asked me for a check to be forwarded to the customs office, but I could have given her, a third party, a bogus check.