Tourists visiting Japan later this year will need to follow a new process to claim tax-free shopping benefits. Starting November 1, 2026, international travellers will have to pay the full price, including consumption tax, at the time of purchase and claim their refund before leaving the country after customs verification.
The revised system is designed to improve customs checks while retaining tax-free shopping benefits for eligible visitors.
What’s Changing?
Until now, tourists could simply show their passport at participating stores and purchase eligible items without paying consumption tax. Under the new rules:
- Pay the full price, including tax, while shopping.
- Complete customs verification before departing Japan.
- Claim your tax refund after your purchases are approved.
Who Can Claim A Tax Refund?
To qualify for a refund, travellers must:
- Spend at least 5,000 yen at the same store on the same day.
- Purchase goods that will be taken out of Japan.
- Personally carry the purchased items when leaving the country.
New Rule For Food, Drinks And Cosmetics
Japan is also removing the requirement for special sealed packaging on consumable items such as food, beverages and cosmetics.
However, if these products are opened or consumed while still in Japan, they will no longer qualify for a tax refund during customs verification.
How To Claim Your Refund
Travellers must complete customs verification within 90 days of purchasing eligible items. At participating airports, the process includes:
- Scan your passport at the tax-free terminal.
- The system verifies your purchases.
- A green result completes the customs process.
- A red result requires travellers to present their purchases for inspection before the refund is approved.
Airports Offering The New System
The updated tax refund process will be available at major international airports, including:
- Narita
- Haneda
- Kansai
- Chubu
- Fukuoka
- New Chitose
- Naha
Travellers can also complete customs declarations online through Visit Japan Web before heading to the airport.
What It Means For Travellers
The tax-free shopping benefit remains in place, but visitors will need to pay upfront and complete customs procedures before receiving their refund. Travellers planning to shop in Japan after November 1, 2026, should keep their receipts, purchases and passport handy to ensure a hassle-free refund before departure.