Customer FAQ

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How will tax-free shopping procedures change from November 1, 2026?

Previously, shoppers paid a price with consumption tax already deducted at the store. From November 1, 2026, you will pay the tax-inclusive price first. The system will change to a refund method: you must have the goods confirmed for export when leaving Japan to receive a consumption tax refund.

Social media says tax-free shopping is ending. Does this mean tax-free benefits will disappear?

No. Tax-free benefits will remain; only the procedure will change. Instead of receiving the tax exemption first and then having the goods confirmed for export, you will receive a consumption tax refund after export confirmation.

Do I have to pay the full consumption tax when making a purchase?

Yes. You pay the tax-inclusive price when purchasing. You then use a refund-procedure KIOSK at an airport or seaport, or the Visit Japan Web website, to obtain a Green (cleared) or Red (customs officer inspection required) result for your purchases. Only purchases with a final Green result qualify for a consumption tax refund.

When can I actually receive my refund?

You can receive your refund after obtaining Green confirmation through a customs export-confirmation KIOSK at an airport or seaport, or through Visit Japan Web, when leaving Japan.

Where can I receive my refund?

Global Tax Free-Planet offers the following refund methods.

  • If you select cash, you can receive your refund at a cash-refund ATM in the airside area.
  • If you select a credit card or another non-cash service, the refund is processed in approximately 2–14 days, depending on the service provider. In some cases, it may take longer than 14 days.
Are all foreign nationals eligible for tax-free shopping? Can Japanese nationals also qualify?

Non-resident foreign nationals and Japanese nationals who meet Japan's tax-free shopping requirements are eligible, including:

  • Foreign visitors with Temporary Visitor status (90 days).
  • People with Diplomat, Official, or U.S. military-related status.
  • People who entered Japan with a landing permit.
  • Japanese nationals who qualify as non-residents.
Is a passport required?

Yes. Your own passport, or another travel document recognized by law, is required both for tax-free purchases and refund procedures. Only the original document is accepted. Copies and photographs are not accepted because of the risk of forgery and other offenses.

Can I use only the Visit Japan Web QR code?

Global Tax Free-Planet affiliated stores accept Visit Japan Web QR codes. However, the QR code does not replace your passport, so please present your passport as well.

Do I have to take the purchased goods with me when leaving Japan?

Yes. Goods purchased tax-free must be taken out of Japan. If export cannot be confirmed, consumption tax cannot be refunded. Obtaining tax-free benefits fraudulently may violate the law.

May I use the purchased goods while in Japan?

Japan places greater emphasis on taking the goods out of the country than on whether they have been used. It has been announced that items such as electronics and clothing can qualify for a refund even if used, provided you take them with you when leaving Japan. For cosmetics, food, and similar items, there has been no clear announcement, so we recommend not consuming them.

Should I keep my receipts?

Yes. Keep your purchase receipts until the refund procedure is complete. According to the National Tax Agency's announcement, if customs cannot verify even some of the goods listed on a receipt, the entire receipt becomes ineligible for tax exemption. Make sure you have both the receipt and every item listed on it.

Is there a refund fee?

Yes. A refund processing fee applies.

Can a family member, friend, or someone else receive the refund on my behalf?

No one other than the purchaser may receive the refund under any circumstances. A person who does not match the passport information presented at the time of purchase is considered a different person and is not eligible to receive the refund.

Can a family member, friend, or someone else receive the refund on my behalf?

No one other than the purchaser may receive the refund under any circumstances. A person who does not match the passport information presented at the time of purchase is considered a different person and is not eligible to receive the refund.

Is there a deadline between purchase and tax-exemption confirmation?

Yes. According to the National Tax Agency's announcement, you must obtain a Green result at an export-confirmation KIOSK at an airport or seaport within 90 days, counting the day after purchase as day one, for the purchase to qualify as tax-free.

Is there also a deadline for receiving the refund?

Yes. Global Tax Free-Planet allows you to receive a refund within six months, counting from the day after you obtain a Green result. You may select and apply for a refund method at any time within six months of the first Green result. Once six months have passed, you are no longer eligible for a refund.

Can I combine purchases from multiple stores?

At a shopping facility with a Global Tax Free-Planet tax-free counter, purchases from Global Tax Free-Planet affiliated stores can be combined. Purchases from non-affiliated stores cannot be combined. Purchases from individual stores outside such shopping facilities cannot be combined.

Are any products excluded from tax-free shopping?

The following are not eligible:

  • Goods with a high risk of purchase for consumption-tax fraud, such as gold and platinum bullion, gold coins, and platinum coins.
  • Items and charges not subject to consumption tax, such as gift certificates, service charges, shipping fees, transportation fares, and medical treatment fees.
What happens if I do not receive a refund?

If the purchaser does not complete the required procedures, the purchase remains a normal tax-inclusive purchase. Examples include:

  • Not completing export confirmation at a KIOSK within 90 days from the day after purchase.
  • Receiving a final Red result at the export-confirmation KIOSK.
  • Not selecting a refund method within six months from the day after the Green result, or entering incorrect card information.
Where can I contact you if I have questions?

Please email Global Tax Free-Planet's Japan office.

We will review inquiries in the order received and reply to you.