Pay first, complete customs confirmation, and receive your tax refund.

Japan's Tax-Free Shopping System Is Changing

A new refund-based system begins on November 1, 2026. Learn what is changing, how the new process works, and what to prepare before leaving Japan.
Japan's Tax-Free Shopping System Is Changing

Tax-Free Shopping: What's Changing?

What's changing? Through October 2026 From November 2026
At purchase You can purchase at tax-free prices or receive a refund at the store. Pay the tax-inclusive price and register your refund information.
Customs confirmation You will need to be inspected by Customs upon departure. If you plan to put your tax-free items in your checked baggage, please have them inspected before checking in your luggage. When departing within 90 days from the date of purchase, please undergo Customs inspection prior to passing through security screening and checking in your luggage.
Special packaging Consumables require special packaging. Special packaging will be discontinued. Consumables used or consumed in Japan are not eligible for a refund.
Refund Tax-free pricing is applied at the time of purchase. After customs confirmation, the refund will be sent to your registered refund destination.

Both systems primarily apply to non-residents staying in Japan for less than six months.

Am I Eligible for a Tax Refund?

Check Eligibility

How the New Process Works

Step 1: Order and pay online

Before your trip, complete your order on your smartphone and pay online at that time.

Step 2: Complete customs confirmation before departure

Before checking your baggage, take your passport and purchased tax-free items to the designated tax-free procedure kiosk or customs inspection counter in the public departure area. Complete the required procedure before security screening.

Step 3: Receive your consumption tax refund

After customs confirmation, the refund will be sent to your registered refund destination.

What Should I Do at the Tax-Free Procedure Kiosk?

Follow the kiosk instructions and present your passport.

Green result: Customs confirmation is complete. Continue with departure procedures. The refund process can proceed.

Red result: Customs inspection is required. Bring your purchases to the designated inspection counter. A red result alone does not mean your refund has been denied.

After inspection — approved: Customs confirmation is complete, and the refund process can proceed.

After inspection — not approved: The refund process cannot proceed.

Shopping with TaxFreeOnline.jp

Read about the changes

Before You Leave Japan: Check These Essentials

Shopping

• Please check the tax-exemption requirements before placing your order.

• Please place an order of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) per transaction and pay the tax-inclusive price.

• Please register the information required for your refund after receiving the items.

• Please keep documents that show your order details, such as the order confirmation email.

• Please take the purchased items out of Japan by yourself.

Pickup

  • Bring your passport
  • Open your TaxFreeOnline.jp QR code

Departure

• Please depart Japan within 90 days from the purchase date (date of item receipt on TaxFreeOnline.jp).

• Please prepare your passport and all tax-free items.

• Please undergo Customs verification at a tax-free processing kiosk or designated location prior to passing through security screening and checking in your luggage.

• Please allow sufficient time to complete the procedures before departure.

Important Notes

• Consumable items consumed within Japan are not eligible for a refund.

• If even a single item included in a single purchase transaction is not in your possession at the time of departure, you will not be able to receive a refund for the entire purchase record.

• Items verified by Customs must be taken out of Japan promptly thereafter.

• For items with a unit price of 1,000,000 yen or more (excluding tax), tax-free shops are required to record detailed product information, such as serial numbers. Customs may also ask you to present a warranty card or other proof.

• If you send purchased items abroad separately on your own via mail or international courier services, they will not be eligible for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The refund is issued after customs confirmation, not at the time of purchase. The refund method and timing vary depending on the applicable service.

Complete customs confirmation before checking your baggage so your purchases are available for inspection.

You will proceed to customs inspection. A red result does not necessarily mean a denial.

Consumables used or consumed in Japan are not eligible for a refund.

You can check the location of the tax-free procedure terminals on the official Customs website.

Before departure, please select your airport and terminal to view the map.

Check the locations of the tax-free procedure terminals (Official Customs Website)

https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/taxrefund/map.html

*The page is available in Japanese and English only.

FAQ