Current date: 2025-12-20 (JST)
This article explains the new airport refund process starting November 1, 2026. It is not a guide to finding tax-free stores. It is a practical explanation of the new rules to help you avoid losing your tax refund.
What This Article Explains
This article focuses on the shift from an instant tax discount to a post-purchase refund system. Many travelers are familiar with getting 10% off at the register. That process is ending. We explain how the new airport refund procedure will work. We also cover the specific dates and rules you must know to prepare for a successful tax-free shopping experience after the change.
How This Actually Works in Practice
The new system, known as the “refund method,” moves the tax-free process from the store to the airport. You will no longer receive an instant discount when you pay. Instead, you will claim your refund just before you leave Japan.
Here is the practical sequence of events:
1.At the Store: You will pay the full price for your items, which includes the 10% consumption tax. The store will scan your passport and electronically log your purchase details.
2.After Purchase: You keep your items and the receipts. There is no longer a requirement to keep items in a sealed bag.
3.At the Airport: Before you check in your luggage, you must go to a designated customs counter. You will need your passport, your receipts, and the items you purchased.
4.Customs Verification: A customs officer will verify that you have the goods and that they are being exported. They will check your receipts against the items.
5.Receiving the Refund: Once customs approves the export, you will be directed to a refund counter to receive your 10% tax back. The refund may be issued in cash or to your credit card 1.
What Travelers Commonly Assume (and Why It’s Wrong)
The new system reverses several long-standing rules. Common assumptions based on the old system are now incorrect and can lead to losing your refund.
| Common Assumption | The New Reality (From Nov 1, 2026) |
| “I get my 10% discount at the cash register.” | Incorrect. You must pay the full price including tax. The refund is processed at the airport before departure. |
| “I have to keep my cosmetics and snacks in a sealed bag.” | Incorrect. The sealed bag rule is abolished. You can open and use all purchased items immediately 2. |
| “I can just show my receipts at the airport to get a refund.” | Incorrect. You must present the actual purchased goods for customs inspection. If you don’t have the items, you will not get a refund. |
| “I can ship my bulky purchases home and claim the tax back.” | Incorrect. As of April 1, 2025, items shipped by international parcel are not eligible for tax exemption. You must carry the items with you when you leave 4. |
What You Should Decide Before You Travel
The new system requires more planning. Your decisions before and during your trip will affect your time and money.
First, decide if tax-free shopping is worth the effort for you. The process will require extra time at the airport. For small purchases, the 10% saving may not justify the time spent waiting in line for customs inspection and refund processing. You might prefer to skip the process for low-value goods.
Second, you must plan your airport departure time. You will need to arrive earlier than you normally would. The time required for customs inspection and refund processing is unknown. It is wise to budget at least an extra hour at the airport to be safe.
Finally, decide how you will transport your purchased goods. You must present the items to customs before you check your bags. If items are in your checked luggage, you will need to have them inspected before the airline takes your bags. Keeping valuable items in your carry-on luggage may simplify the inspection process.
Situations Where This Becomes a Problem
Certain situations can create problems under the new system. If you have a very early flight, the customs and refund counters may not be open. Their hours of operation are not yet confirmed. This could make it impossible to claim a refund.
Another problem arises if you lose your purchase receipts. Without the receipts, you have no proof of purchase and cannot claim a refund. You must keep all your tax-free documentation secure throughout your trip.
Finally, if you stay in Japan for more than 90 days after making a purchase, you lose your eligibility for a refund on that item 3. This is a strict deadline. Travelers on long-term stays must track their purchase dates carefully.
What Matters Less Than People Think
Under the new system, the distinction between “consumable” and “general” goods no longer matters for the tax-free process. Previously, travelers had to worry about separating food and cosmetics from clothing and electronics. This is no longer necessary. All eligible items are treated the same, which simplifies the shopping experience.
The daily purchase limit of ¥500,000 is also being abolished. While this was a concern for those buying luxury items, it will no longer be a factor. You can purchase high-value goods without worrying about hitting a daily cap.
Practical Takeaways
•Pay the full price, including 10% tax, at the store.
•Keep all receipts until you leave Japan.
•You can open and use your purchases immediately.
•You must present the items to customs at the airport.
•Allow extra time at the airport for the refund process.
•Do not ship items home; you must carry them with you.
Summary
Starting November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free system will require travelers to pay tax upfront and claim a refund at the airport. The old system of instant discounts at the store will end. While the new rules allow you to use your purchases immediately, they add an extra step at the airport. To avoid losing your refund, keep your receipts, present your goods to customs, and plan for extra time on your departure day.
Sources / References
[1] Japan National Tourism Organization, “Changes Are Coming to Tax-Free Shopping in Japan”,
[2] KIX Duty Free, “Still in Time! Complete Guide to Japan’s Tax Refund New System”,
[3] National Tax Agency, “輸出物品販売場制度のリファンド方式への見直し”,
[4] MLIT, “Delivery slips can no longer be used to show your eligibility for tax-free shopping”,
Notes & Exceptions
•The exact hours of operation for airport customs and refund counters under the new system have not yet been announced.
•The reform is designed to prevent illegal resale. Travelers purchasing unusually large quantities of goods may face stricter scrutiny from customs officials.
•While the ¥500,000 daily limit is abolished, purchases over ¥1,000,000 may require additional documentation at the time of sale.
Certainty Level
•High: The transition to a refund-based system on November 1, 2026, is officially confirmed.
•High: The elimination of the sealed-bag rule and the 90-day export requirement are confirmed by official sources.
•Medium: The precise, step-by-step user experience at airport counters is based on preliminary plans and may be subject to minor changes.
