Tokyo. Photo: Shutterstock Japan is significantly changing its tax-free shopping system for tourists.
Starting November 1, 2026, tourists who shop at stores participating in the program will no longer receive the tax exemption at the time of purchase, as is currently the case in many cases.
Instead, tourists will pay the full price at checkout, including consumption tax, and will receive the tax refund only after customs confirms upon exiting Japan that the purchased products are leaving the country.
When purchasing, tourists will continue to present a passport or appropriate document at stores participating in the program, but the main change is the payment method.
Instead of deducting the tax at checkout, the tourist will pay it as part of the product price.
Later, upon leaving Japan, he will have to complete the verification process with customs. Once the authorities confirm the products are leaving the country, the tourist can get back the tax he paid, according to a procedure to be determined under the new system.
One of the most important points for travelers is the order of operations at the airport.
Anyone who has purchased products under the Tax Free program and plans to send them in their luggage to the belly of the plane must complete the customs inspection before handing over the suitcase at check-in.
This is because customs may need to see the products themselves as part of the verification process.
Therefore, passengers who arrive at the airport and check their luggage before completing the inspection may have difficulty completing the tax refund process.
Under the new rules, products purchased under the program must leave Japan within 90 days of purchase.
This means the tax benefit is intended for products tourists buy and take out of the country, not for products that remain in Japan.
At some of the country's major airports, you can also use Visit Japan Web as part of the verification and departure process.
In recent years, Japan has become a popular shopping destination for tourists, including electronics, fashion, cosmetics, luxury goods, and local products.
Until now, one of the main conveniences for tourists was being able to receive the tax benefit at the time of purchase in the store.
A practical guide for tourists from JNTO – Japan National Tourism Organization explains how the new system will work and what to do when leaving Japan: to the JNTO guide.