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Japan Tax-Free Shopping Moves to Refund at Departure From 1 November

Japan Tax-Free Shopping Moves to Refund at Departure From 1 November

GoAsia Editorial Team · · Last updated: October 25, 2026
🇯🇵 Japan

Photo: MaedaAkihiko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Japan changes its tax-free shopping system for visitors on 1 November 2026. For purchases made from that date, you pay the full tax-inclusive price in the shop and get the consumption tax back after customs confirms at the airport or seaport that you are taking the goods out of Japan.[1] Purchases made until 31 October are covered by the current system, in which you buy at the tax-exclusive price.[1]

What changes in the shop

  • Purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) per store per day qualify.[1]
  • The special packaging for consumables is abolished. Food, drinks and cosmetics that you use up in Japan no longer qualify for the refund.[1]
  • The shop or its refund service provider pays the refund. Methods vary by shop and include bank transfer, credit card transfer, app-based refund or cash at the port of departure after customs confirmation, so ask at the counter.[2]

What to do when you leave Japan

  1. Within 90 days of purchase, scan your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal in the international departure lobby, before baggage check-in.[1] Keep all tax-free goods with you, because you cannot complete the procedure after checking your luggage.[1]
  2. A green result means the procedure is complete. A red result means you must bring the goods to the customs inspection area.[1]
  3. At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha you can also use Visit Japan Web on the dedicated Wi-Fi in the departure lobby, up to the security checkpoint. Set it up before you start the procedure.[3]

Points that can cost you the refund

  • Finish the procedure, including any inspection, before boarding. Neither the airline nor customs compensates you if you miss your departure because of it.[1]
  • Each receipt is checked on its own. If one item from a receipt is missing, none of the goods from that receipt qualify.[1]
  • If you connect from a domestic flight to an international one, complete the procedure at the airport where you leave Japan.[1]
  • Take the goods out of Japan without delay. Otherwise the exempted tax is collected and penalties apply.[1]

Plan extra time at the airport on your way out. More on the country is on our Japan page.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT): Japan Tax-free Shop: What is the Refund Method?. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
  2. [2] Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT): Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers (Refund Method). Retrieved October 24, 2026.
  3. [3] Japan Customs: Tax Exemption (Refund) Program for Foreign Visitors. Retrieved October 24, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new tax-free system start?

It applies to purchases made on or after 1 November 2026. Purchases up to 31 October follow the current system.

Do I still pay tax in the shop?

Yes. You pay the tax-inclusive price and receive the amount equal to the consumption tax after the customs check when you leave Japan.

How long do I have to leave Japan after buying?

You must complete the customs procedure within 90 days of the purchase.

Can I do the procedure after checking my suitcase?

No. You need all tax-free goods with you when you scan your passport, so do it before baggage check-in.

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