Japan moves visitor tax refunds to after departure from Nov. 1
Visitors will need to scan their passports before airport security to qualify, while seven airports will offer a smartphone option for the procedures.
Foreign visitors shopping in Japan will pay consumption tax upfront from Nov. 1 and receive an equivalent refund once they have left the country. The new arrangement follows cases of travelers buying goods without tax and reselling them within Japan at tax-inclusive prices.
The change replaces the current exemption offered at tax-free shops. Customs inspections at airports and ports are intended to verify that purchases leave Japan and prevent illegal resale.
Eligibility for refunds will require visitors to scan their passports using a dedicated machine before going through security. That requirement is distinct from the current predeparture customs checks, which occur after security screening.
Tokyo Customs demonstrated the procedures for journalists at Haneda Airport. An official said staff would be assigned to guide travelers. To limit congestion, a dedicated smartphone website will also support the procedures at seven busy international airports, including Haneda, Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture and Kansai International Airport near Osaka.
Government statistics showed that 690 departing foreign visitors had purchased tax-free goods worth ¥100 million or more in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. Customs inspections confirmed that only 10% had the items with them before departure.
