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For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free shopping system shifts to the Refund Method. You will pay the tax-inclusive price at the store, complete customs confirmation when leaving Japan, and then receive a refund of the amount equivalent to consumption tax from the tax-free shop or its refund service provider. If tax-free goods will go into checked baggage, complete the tax-free/customs procedure before checking the bag.
What happens when you shop?
At a tax-free shop, follow the store’s instructions, present your passport or other required document, and pay the tax-inclusive price. As a general rule, eligible purchases must total at least ¥5,000 before consumption tax at the same store on the same day.
- The distinction between general goods and consumables is abolished
- The ¥500,000 maximum for consumables is abolished
- Special packaging for consumables is abolished
Refund methods and timing vary by store, so check the details when you buy.
Can you use food or cosmetics in Japan?
Special packaging will no longer be required, but if food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics or other consumables are used or consumed in Japan, they will not be eligible for customs confirmation and the tax refund.
Customs confirmation is handled by purchase transaction (for example, one receipt). If you are not carrying any item included in the same purchase record when customs checks it, all tax-free goods in that purchase record may fail to receive confirmation.
What do you do at the airport?
You must take the tax-free goods out of Japan and complete customs confirmation within 90 days of the date of purchase.
Shop → Arrive at airport → Tax-free procedure/customs confirmation → Check baggage → Security → Depart Japan → Refund
Use the terminal for tax-free procedures at the airport. At certain designated airports, including Kansai Airport, Visit Japan Web can be used in place of the terminal within designated procedure areas. Visit Japan Web is not mandatory.
If customs asks to inspect your goods, you must be able to present the relevant tax-free items.
Can tax-free goods go in checked baggage?
Yes, but the order matters: complete customs confirmation first, then check your baggage with the airline.
If you check the bag first and customs later asks to see the goods, you may be unable to complete the procedure and may not receive the refund.
What should you know when departing from Kansai Airport?
At Kansai International Airport, complete the tax-free procedure and customs confirmation before checking baggage and before security. Kansai Airport is one of the designated airports where Visit Japan Web can be used in the designated area connected to the special procedure Wi-Fi.
If you have a large amount of medicines, cosmetics, food, electronics or luxury goods, allow extra time in case customs needs to inspect them.
5 common mistakes
- For purchases from November 1, 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive price at the store.
- The customs confirmation deadline is within 90 days of the purchase date.
- No special packaging does not mean you can consume the goods in Japan and still receive the refund.
- Complete customs confirmation before checking baggage containing tax-free goods.
- Visit Japan Web is a convenient option at designated airports, not the only way to complete the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for the tax-free procedure?
Your passport is the main document. Keep the tax-free goods available in case customs asks to inspect them.
Can tax-free goods go in checked baggage?
Yes, but complete customs confirmation before checking the baggage.
Can I eat tax-free snacks in Japan?
Not if you want the purchase to qualify for the refund. Keep the goods until the departure procedure is complete.
Does customs inspect every item?
Not necessarily. However, if you are selected for an inspection, you must be able to present the relevant goods.
Do I have to use Visit Japan Web?
No. At designated airports it can be used instead of the terminal for tax-free procedures within the applicable area.
Will I receive cash at the airport?
Not necessarily. The refund method and timing depend on the tax-free shop or refund service provider.
Quick check before departure
- Are you departing within 90 days of the purchase date?
- Do you have your passport?
- Do you still have all goods in the same purchase record?
- Have you avoided using or consuming relevant food, cosmetics and other consumables in Japan?
- Have you kept baggage containing tax-free goods with you until the procedure is complete?
Remember: leave within 90 days, do not consume the goods in Japan, and complete customs confirmation before checking baggage.