Japan changes its tax-free system on November 1, 2026. The process that applies to you depends on the date of each purchase.
If your trip crosses November 1, you may have purchases under both systems. Tabikin keeps the purchase date with each transaction so the correct guidance can follow the receipt.
Eligible visitors can generally purchase qualifying goods without paying Japanese consumption tax at the time of purchase.
You pay the tax-inclusive price when shopping. After Customs confirms the eligible goods are leaving Japan, the shop or its refund provider processes the refund.
For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026.
At a participating tax-free shop, present the required identification, normally your passport. You pay the regular price including Japanese consumption tax and the shop records the tax-free transaction.
The goods must actually leave Japan with you. Consumables such as food, drinks and cosmetics cannot be consumed in Japan if you want the transaction to qualify for the refund.
The departure procedure for the transaction must be completed within 90 days of its purchase date. This matters especially on long trips.
At your international departure airport or seaport, complete the tax-free departure procedure before handing checked baggage to the airline. Customs may need to inspect the actual goods.
Follow the terminal or Customs instructions. If inspection is requested, bring the applicable goods to the designated Customs inspection area.
Customs does not normally hand you the money. Once export is confirmed, the tax-free shop or its refund provider processes the refund using the method offered for that transaction.
The biggest differences at a glance.
Under the new system, export confirmation is tied to the purchase transaction. If Customs needs to confirm goods, having the receipt and all applicable items organized together can make departure much easier. Do not place tax-free goods into checked baggage until the departure procedure is complete.
Scan and organize receipts, keep stores and purchase dates together, and get guidance for the system that applies to each transaction.
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