Short answer
Check the date on your tax-free purchase receipt. For purchases through October 31, 2026, the existing tax-free-at-purchase system applies. For purchases from November 1, 2026, eligible travelers pay the tax-inclusive price first. A refund depends on customs confirming that the goods leave Japan within 90 days of purchase. Complete the tax-free departure procedure before checking in any luggage that contains the goods. The shop or its appointed provider handles the refund, so confirm its method at purchase.
What to do at the shop and airport
- 1At the shop, confirm the purchase date and refund method.
Show the documents the shop requires. For a purchase from November 1, ask the shop or its provider how your refund will be sent; the airport does not promise a cash refund for every purchase.
- 2Keep the goods available before airline baggage check-in.
At your final departure airport or seaport, go to the tax-free procedure terminal in the international departure lobby before checking a bag containing these goods.
- 3Present your passport and follow the result.
A green result completes the customs procedure. A red result means bringing the goods to the designated customs inspection area.
- 4Finish before security and departure procedures.
Allow extra time. If the procedure is not completed, a refund is not established merely because you kept the receipt.
Which system applies?
The Japan Tourism Agency says the current system applies through October 31, 2026: qualifying goods can be bought without consumption tax at the tax-free shop. Purchases made on or after November 1 use the new refund method and are sold at a tax-inclusive price.
The change is based on when you purchase, not simply when you fly home. Ask the shop about a mixed itinerary with purchases under both systems; keep each purchase record and follow the applicable departure instructions.
Goods, consumables, and the 90-day limit from November 1
Under the new method, customs must confirm the goods are being taken out of Japan within 90 days of purchase. The agency states a minimum purchase of ¥5,000 before tax per shop per day and says special packaging for consumables will be abolished.
Abolishing special packaging does not permit you to consume tax-free food, drinks, or cosmetics in Japan. If all or part of a purchase has been consumed and is no longer with you, do not complete the tax-free procedure for it; report the consumption to a customs officer. Customs checks each purchase transaction, such as a receipt. If even one item from that transaction is missing, the transaction is not eligible for the refund inspection.
Where the refund comes from
The tax-free shop or a refund service provider entrusted by it issues the refund after customs confirmation. The shop decides the practical refund method, so ask at purchase how to register a card or other destination and how to follow up if the refund does not arrive.
At seven major airports, the agency says Visit Japan Web may be usable in designated international departure lobby areas with dedicated Wi-Fi instead of a terminal. This is a location-dependent alternative, not a replacement for carrying the goods or completing the customs step.
Official sources
Check the source directly if your journey depends on a detail.
Checked against official Japanese sources · Last verified October 20, 2026