Japan will switch to a tax refund system for foreign travelers on November 1, 2026. Under the current system, eligible goods are sold without consumption tax; under the new rules, the tax will be refunded after customs confirms the goods have been taken out of the country.
To qualify, travelers must take the goods out of Japan within 90 days of purchase. When leaving, they must present their passport in person at a tax-free procedure terminal at an airport or seaport and complete customs confirmation.
If the terminal determines that an inspection is not needed, the customs confirmation process ends. If an inspection is required, travelers must present the goods at the customs inspection area.
