Tax-free shopping in Japan: what changes from November 1, 2026

What is changing

Until October 31, 2026, many shops take the tax off at the register. From November 1, 2026, Japan updates the procedure to a refund system.

• You pay the full price, including consumption tax, at the shop. Show your passport at the register, as before.
• When you leave Japan, you file at customs before you check in for your flight. After customs confirms the goods are leaving the country, the tax is refunded to you.

Other changes from the same date

• The time limit for taking the goods out of Japan is extended from 30 days to 90 days.
• Consumables, such as food, drinks, cosmetics and medicine, no longer need to be kept in sealed packaging.
• The difference between "general goods" and "consumables" is removed.
• Consumables that you use up inside Japan are not eligible for a refund.

What to do at the airport

• Keep the goods you bought with you, in your hand luggage or somewhere you can reach, until you have finished the customs procedure.
• Do the customs filing before you check in for your flight, and allow extra time on your first trip under the new system.
• Keep your passport and receipts together.

Purchases before November 1

The current rules apply to purchases made up to and including October 31, 2026. If you buy before that date, follow the procedure the shop explains at the register.

Tips

• A minimum purchase amount applies at each shop. Ask at the register how it is counted.
• Procedures at the airport may be adjusted after the new system starts. Check the official guidance shortly before you travel.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Changes are coming to Japan's tax-free shopping
• Japan Tourism Agency (official information on the tax-free system)

Related tips

• Do you tip in Japan?Short answer: no. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, taxis or hotels in Japan. Here is when it is fine, and what to do instead.
• Emergency numbers in Japan: 110, 119 and the visitor hotlineWho to call in Japan: 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance or fire, and a 24-hour English hotline for visitors.
• Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
• Japan customs: what you must declare and what is bannedEvery passenger must declare their baggage. Cash over 1 million yen must be declared, and some items such as narcotics and counterfeit goods are banned. Here are the duty-free limits too.