Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping Changes on November 1, 2026: Four Steps to Know
Japan’s tax-free shopping process is scheduled to change on November 1, 2026. Previously, eligible purchases had consumption tax deducted at checkout. Under the revised system, you will pay the tax-inclusive price in the shop and receive a refund after customs confirmation when leaving Japan. For a trip from November onwards, do not use older shopping videos as step-by-step instructions.
Pay the tax-inclusive price at the shop
Under the revised system, even purchases at tax-free shops are paid for including tax. For expensive purchases, budget for the amount before the refund and allow for it in your card limit. Eligibility and purchase-value conditions still apply. The minimum of ¥5,000 before tax in eligible purchases at the same shop on the same day continues under the new system.
- Pay including tax at the shop: Check purchase conditions and the refund method there
- Take the goods out of Japan: Leave within 90 days of purchase
- Complete customs confirmation on departure: Present purchases if requested
- Receive the refund after confirmation: Follow the tax-free shop’s instructions
The refund is not finalised before customs confirmation. Check the latest procedure with the shop and departure airport.
Take the purchases abroad and complete customs confirmation
Tax-free goods must leave Japan with you within 90 days of purchase. You must be able to present them if customs requests it. If packing them in checked luggage, confirm the airport procedure before departure. Consumables used in Japan after purchase remain ineligible for a refund even after the packaging requirement is removed.
The refund comes after customs confirmation
The shop obtains the customs confirmation and, once the tax-free sale is established, refunds the consumption-tax amount. Check its instructions for the refund method. Remember the order: pay including tax → keep the goods → obtain customs confirmation on departure → receive the refund.
Special packaging for consumables is due to end
The revision removes the distinction between general goods and consumables, the upper limit for consumables and the special-packaging requirement. This does not mean you can open and use the purchases in Japan. Check the shop’s current guidance on goods you must take abroad.
Airport and shop instructions may be updated around the launch. Before travelling, check the National Tax Agency’s tax-free guidance and your airport and shop. Our guide to payments in Japan can also help with shopping plans.
Information checked: September 29, 2026. Sources: National Tax Agency guidance on the refund-system revision and its minimum-purchase Q&A, plus customs guidance for travellers. This describes the system scheduled to start on November 1, 2026.
Photography: Naha Mama Pavilionz / Wikimedia Commons (CC0). Shopping facility.
