Tax-free shopping in Japan: what changes on November 1, 2026
Compare the current checkout exemption with Japan’s new refund method and prepare for the departure inspection.
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Quick answer
For purchases from November 1, 2026, pay the tax-inclusive price first, complete the Customs procedure when departing Japan, and receive the refund from the shop or its refund provider.
1
Check which system applies
Purchases through October 31, 2026 use the current point-of-sale exemption. Purchases from November 1, 2026 use the new refund method.
2
Keep every item with you
Under the new method, complete the departure procedure before checking baggage and be ready to present every tax-free item on each receipt.
3
Confirm the refund method at the shop
The shop or its refund service provider—not Customs—issues the refund. Ask how and when it will be paid before purchasing.
Useful Japanese phrase
Is this item eligible for tax-free shopping?
この商品は免税対象ですか？
Kono shōhin wa menzei taishō desu ka?
Rule changeNovember 1, 2026
The rule that applies is based on the purchase date. Purchases through October 31 use the current checkout exemption; purchases from November 1 use the new refund method.
Before and after
What changes for travelers?
Through October 31, 2026
Tax is removed when you buy
Eligible visitors buy at the tax-free price after the store completes its procedure.
General goods and consumables follow different rules.
Consumables have a ¥500,000 tax-excluded upper limit per store per day and require special packaging.
Purchases from November 1, 2026
Pay first, refund after departure confirmation
Pay the tax-inclusive price at the tax-free shop.
Complete the Customs procedure when leaving Japan within 90 days of purchase.
The shop or its refund provider refunds the tax equivalent after Customs confirms export.
The general-goods/consumables distinction, special packaging and the ¥500,000 consumables cap are abolished.
The minimum stays: purchases must total at least ¥5,000 before tax, per store, per day. Goods must be a quantity you can personally carry and take out of Japan.
!
Customs does not necessarily hand you the refund
Customs confirms that the goods are leaving Japan. The tax-free shop or its entrusted refund service provider sends or pays the refund. Bank transfer, card refund, app payment or cash after confirmation may be offered; the method and timing vary by shop. Ask before paying.
New refund method
What to do, step by step
1Confirm the shop and your eligibilityLook for an authorized tax-free shop and present the document the shop requires, normally your passport or supported Visit Japan Web information.
2Pay the tax-inclusive priceBefore paying, ask how the refund method is registered, when the refund is expected and whether fees or currency conversion may affect the amount received.
3Keep the receipt and every item togetherDo not consume food, drinks or cosmetics that you want refunded. Keep authenticity certificates or warranties for any item priced at ¥1 million or more before tax.
4Go to the tax-free procedure before baggage check-inAt your final airport or seaport in Japan, bring your passport and all tax-free goods to the departure-lobby procedure terminal. Once baggage is checked, it cannot be retrieved for this procedure.
5Follow the green or red resultA green result completes the procedure. A red result means you must bring the goods to the designated Customs inspection area.
6Receive the refund from the shop or providerAfter confirmation, follow the refund method registered at purchase. Contact the shop—not Customs—if the refund does not arrive as explained.
One receipt = one inspection unit
One missing item can cancel the whole receipt
If even one item from a purchase transaction is missing, none of the tax-free goods on that receipt are eligible for the departure confirmation and refund.
No sealed bag does not mean “use it now”
Consumed goods are not refundable
Special packaging is abolished, but food, drinks or cosmetics consumed in Japan are not eligible. If anything was consumed, report it to a Customs officer instead of using the terminal.
Domestic connection
Use your final departure airport
If a domestic flight connects to an international flight, complete the procedure at the airport where you actually leave Japan—not at the first domestic airport.
Shipping warning
Do not mail the goods yourself
The traveler “separate shipment” method ended on March 31, 2025. A shop may offer overseas shipping, but personally mailing tax-free goods does not replace the departure procedure.
Visit Japan Web support at seven major airports
Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha are scheduled to support the procedure through Visit Japan Web inside designated international-departure Wi-Fi areas before security. A physical terminal is also available. Keep the goods accessible either way.
Useful Japanese phrases
この商品は免税対象ですか？Kono shōhin wa menzei taishō desu ka?Is this item eligible for tax-free shopping?
返金方法を教えてください。Henkin hōhō o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me how the refund will be made.
Official Japan Tourism Agency and National Tax Agency guidance checked on August 18, 2026. Shops may use different refund providers, timing and methods, so confirm the terms at the time of purchase.
Useful links
Check the official tax-free shopping rules
Official resources come first. Links open in a new tab.
