Japan Tax-Free Shopping Changes Nov 1, 2026: The New Airport Refund System, Step by Step
✍️ wicwic editorial team · verified Oct 12, 2026
The short answer
From November 1, 2026, Japan replaces its in-store tax-free shopping system with a refund-at-departure system (リファンド方式). You now pay the full tax-inclusive price at the store, register a refund account (credit card etc.), then complete a customs verification at the airport or seaport before checking in. After customs confirms the goods are leaving Japan, the consumption tax is refunded. Purchases made on or after Nov 1 follow the new system; purchases before that date keep the old rules.
What changes (old vs new)
| Until Oct 31, 2026 | From Nov 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price at store | Tax-free (10% deducted at checkout) | Full tax-inclusive price |
| Procedure | Show passport at checkout | Register passport + refund account at the tax-free counter |
| Where the refund happens | — | Airport/seaport customs confirmation, then refund |
| Special sealed packaging for consumables | Required | No longer required (but items used in Japan are not refundable) |
Step 1 — In the store
- Buy at a tax-free shop; on the same day in the same store, the tax-excluded total must be ¥5,000 or more (consumables and general goods combined rules apply).
- Show your passport at the tax-free counter and register a refund account — a credit card, Alipay/WeChat Pay, bank transfer, or cash pick-up (cash is refunded at the airport in yen only).
- You receive the usual receipt; keep every receipt until you leave Japan.
Step 2 — At the airport, BEFORE check-in
- Go to the tax-free procedure terminal (KIOSK) in the international departure lobby, before baggage check-in. You cannot complete the procedure after checking luggage, and you cannot return after passing exit immigration.
- Scan your passport. The terminal gives one of two results:
- GREEN — no inspection needed, procedure complete.
- RED — take your purchased goods to the designated customs inspection area for verification.
- Visit Japan Web option: register your passport in VJW with the camera scan. After entry, scan the landing-permit sticker on your passport in VJW (this confirms your landing date) — VJW then generates the tax-free QR code (screenshots are not accepted; available to short-stay, diplomatic and official status holders). At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha, you can use VJW for the online procedure in the departure lobby before baggage check-in (customs dedicated Wi-Fi SSID: "CustomsTaxRefund") instead of the KIOSK terminal.
Key rules that decide whether you get refunded
- 90 days: depart and complete customs verification within 90 days of purchase.
- Receipt integrity: you must have all items from each receipt with you. If even one item is missing, nothing on that receipt is refundable.
- Consumables: food and cosmetics no longer need special sealed packaging, but anything consumed or used inside Japan is not refundable — report it to a customs officer instead.
- Not eligible: gold/platinum bullion, items already exempt from consumption tax, and goods mailed home.
- Domestic connection: complete the procedure at the airport where you actually depart Japan.
- Fees: shops may charge a refund handling fee. Don Quijote, BicCamera and Takeya have announced zero handling fees (for card refunds; airport cash refunds may incur fees).
- Missed flights: neither customs nor airlines compensate you for missing a flight because you ran out of time — arrive early.
Duty-free shops after security are unchanged
Shops in the departure area (after exit immigration) still sell at tax-free prices directly — the refund procedure does not apply there.
FAQ
When exactly does the new system start? Purchases made on or after Nov 1, 2026. Anything bought on Oct 31 or earlier follows the old in-store tax-free rules.
Do I need my passport at the store? Yes — to register the refund account at the tax-free counter.
What if the kiosk says RED? Bring your goods to the customs inspection area for a check. Missing items on a receipt voids that whole receipt.
Can I get the refund in cash? Yes, at dedicated counters/kiosks — but in Japanese yen only, and fees may apply.
I bought before Nov 1 and leave after Nov 1. Your purchase follows the old system: goods bought tax-free must still leave Japan in the usual way; keep them with you.
Sources: Japan Tourism Agency (MLIT) tax-free information page, JNTO "Everything You Need to Know: Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System", Chubu Centrair Airport tax-refund procedure page, Digital Agency Visit Japan Web official guide, Embassy of Japan in Lithuania/Honolulu notices.