Tax-free shopping regulations in Japan

Tax-free shopping is one of the most exciting activities you can do in Japan, and today we’ll introduce Japan’s tax-free shopping regulations, to help you enjoy your shopping in Japan!

Tax-free shopping is basically applicable to all items, from general items such as home appliances, accessories, and shoes, to consumable items such as alcohol, food, cosmetics, cigarettes, and medicines.

The terms and conditions for tax-free shopping are as follows:

• Some items are subject to the reduced tax rate of 8%, some are subject to 10% tax rate For more information visit: https://www.mof.go.jp/english/tax_policy/tax_system/consumption/index.html#a03
• You can pay the tax-free price when purchasing merchandise
• You have to do the tax-free shopping procedures before your departure at the airport
• You have to show your passport, not a copy of the personal identification page or the visa page
• You can use the tax-free shopping program if your total purchase is more than 5,000 yen
• You can combine general goods and consumable goods for tax-free shopping
• The length of stay of your visa must be less than six months. Japanese nationals living abroad are eligible for tax-free shopping

What are general items?

General items are jewelry, art crafts, golf equipment, home appliances, electronic gadgets, clothing, shoes, and bags.
Tax-free purchase amount: the total purchase amount at the same store in a single day must be 5,000 yen or more (without tax).
Conditions: special packaging not required, can be used in Japan, must be taken out of Japan in less than 6 months following your date of arrival in Japan.

What are consumable items?

Consumable items are liquor, beverages, vitamins, health and beauty supplements, cosmetics, tobacco, and food.
Tax-free purchase amount: the total purchase amount at the same store in a single day must be between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (without tax).
Conditions: special packaging required, cannot be used in Japan, must be taken out of Japan within 30 days after purchase.

You can combine general goods and consumable goods for tax-free shopping

Tax-free purchase amount: the total purchase amount at the same store in a single day must be between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (without tax).
Conditions: special packaging required, cannot be used in Japan, must be taken out of Japan within 30 days after purchase.