From November 1, 2026Tax-Free Shopping will be shifted to Refund Method
Japan’s tax-free system is transitioning from immediate point-of-sale tax exemption to a tax refund model (pay tax at purchase, receive refund upon departure). If you plan to shop in Japan, please review the updated procedures below.
Overview of the New Tax-
Free Refund System
Key Differences: Old vs. New System
Until end of Oct 2026
- Pay tax-free price or receive immediate refund at duty-free counter.
From Nov 2026
- Pay total price including consumption tax.
- Register refund payment details (credit card, etc.).
* Eligible on purchases of ¥5,000 or more incl. tax
* Must depart within 90 days of purchase.
Until end of Oct 2026
- Customs verification after security checkpoint.
- Restricted Area
From Nov 2026
- Customs verification before security checkpoint.
- General Area
Shopping to Departure Flow
Tax Refund Steps Under the New System
1At Purchase
Present Passport at Checkout
Show your passport at an authorized duty-free store and pay the tax-inclusive total. Unlike the previous system, consumption tax is paid upfront at checkout and refunded after departure.
2Register Refund Method
Register Bank or Credit Card Details on JPrefund Web
Register the bank account or credit card where you wish to receive your consumption tax refund on JPrefund Web. Please also enter the required information using the purchase receipt and JPrefund guide provided at checkout.
3At Departure
Complete Verification Before Baggage Check-In
Scan your passport at the airport tax-free terminal for Customs verification. Ensure this is completed before checking in your luggage.
4After Verification
Receive Consumption Tax Refund
Upon Customs approval, the tax amount will be refunded to your registered account or card via the merchant. Please allow up to a month or more for your refund to be processed.
Claim Your Consumption Tax Refund via JPrefund Web
An official online service that enables international visitors to claim consumption tax refunds
after departing Japan for purchases made at participating JPrefund merchants.
-
Easy Smartphone Access
No app installation required. Apply anytime with an internet connection.
-
Multilingual Support
English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and other major languages.
-
Direct Account/Card Refund
Refunds are credited directly to your registered bank account or credit card.
*Multiple tax refund platforms operate in Japan.
Register your purchases on JPrefund only if bought at a participating JPrefund merchant.
Scanning QR codes from other tax refund services will not register your purchase on JPrefund.
Detailed Application Steps
1
Keep Receipt & Guide Leaflet
Collect your receipt and JPrefund leaflet from store staff after shopping.* Keep both documents safe, as they contain essential information required for Customs clearance and refund processing.
2
Keep safe until refund is complete
2-1Register Your Tax-Free Purchase
Access JPrefund Web and create a free account using your email address. No app download needed.* Details at jprefund.go.jp
2-2How to Register Your Purchase
1. Scan the QR code
2. Enter the Transaction ID
3. Input the purchase date and amount* Please take a photo of the QR code and Transaction ID before scanning. You can review your registered purchase details at any time using your Transaction ID.
Notice & Terms
- Consumption tax must be paid at purchase and is refunded post-Customs clearance. Standard processing and transaction fees will be deducted from the refund total.
- Refund eligibility requires a minimum purchase of ¥5,000 (tax-excluded) at the same store on the same calendar day.
- JPrefund services apply exclusively to purchases made at participating JPrefund retailers.
- Processing duration depends on Customs clearance and payment method selection; refunds may take upwards of one month.
FAQ
Tax Refund FAQ
At Purchase
Are there purchase quantity limits for tax-free goods?
The items you purchase must be limited to quantities that you can personally carry and take out of Japan upon departure. Please ensure that you can present your purchased items at customs.
I am a Japanese citizen residing abroad for 2+ years. Has accepted verification documentation changed?
In addition to standard documentation proving 2+ years of continuous overseas residence, Japanese citizens may now present their My Number card.
How do I initiate the refund process?
Store staff will guide you through the initial steps at checkout. Please confirm details with store personnel when making your purchase.
Departure
When should I complete Customs verification at the airport?
Verification must be completed prior to checking in your luggage. Arrive at the airport (or seaport) with ample time to complete procedures at the designated tax-free terminals.* Verification must occur within 90 days of purchase upon departure. * For domestic-to-international connecting flights, procedures must be completed at the final international departure airport.
If I consume or use part of my tax-free purchase in Japan, can I verify only the unused items?
Customs clearance is processed on a per-receipt basis. If any single item on a receipt is missing at Customs, the entire purchase receipt becomes ineligible for tax exemption.
Example 1 (Incomplete): Items A & B presented, Item C missing ➔ All items ineligible
Example 2 (Complete): Items A, B & C presented ➔ Eligible for refund
I purchased an item exceeding ¥1,000,000 (excl. tax). Are extra documents required?
For individual items valued at ¥1,000,000 or more (tax-excluded), Customs officials may request to inspect the item alongside certificates of authenticity or warranty documents. Having these ready ensures smoother processing.
What happens if I do not take Customs-verified items out of Japan?
Unexported tax-free goods are subject to immediate recovery of the exempted tax amount and may incur statutory penalties.
Store & Product FAQ
Related Links & Resources
* Please refer to official government sources for the most current regulatory updates.
