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For years, tourists simply showed their passport at various shops and received a tax discount immediately. That simple process will soon come to an end. Visitors will now have to pay the full price at the store. To receive the refund, the traveller will now be asked to complete a customs check before leaving the country and follow the new refund procedure.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are planning to shop for electronics, cosmetics, fashion or souvenirs during your Japan holiday, understanding these new rules can help you avoid confusion.
According to the Japan Tax Free Shop portal, travellers must complete a customs check before leaving Japan. The process must be completed within 90 days of buying the products. At the airport, visitors will be asked to scan their passport, and the system will show the next step.<\/p>\n
If it comes green, no further inspection is needed, and the process is complete. If it shows red, travellers should take their tax-free purchases to the customs inspection area, where officials will check the items before initiating the refund.<\/p>\n
At several big airports like Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose and Naha, travellers can also complete the procedure online through Visit Japan Web in designated areas before passing airport security.<\/p>\n
Under the updated system, only items worth 5000 yen or more made at the same store on the same day will qualify for a tax refund. The country is also removing the special packaging requirement for food, drinks and cosmetics. But if these items are used or consumed before departure, travellers will not be eligible to receive the refund.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n