Attention when traveling to Japan! "New duty-free shopping rules" for foreign tourists are about to take effect

Japan will reform the duty-free shopping system for foreign tourists from November 1, requiring them to pay consumption tax in advance and apply for a tax refund when leaving the country to curb the abuse of tourists reselling goods before leaving the country.

Currently, foreign tourists can shop duty-free in stores. Under the new tax refund system, they will scan their passports at dedicated terminals at airports and ports and receive their tax refund in cash or credit card upon departure.

Travelers flagged for additional inspection may be asked to present their purchases for inspection. Major airports will also offer smartphone-based self-service clearance procedures to help ease congestion.

Tokyo Customs showed reporters the preparations at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The airport has installed 22 terminals to identify goods that require further inspection. The airport also has a specially reserved baggage inspection area.

The new system will also remove the daily purchase limit of 500,000 yen for consumer goods such as alcohol and cosmetics. Additionally, duty-free shopping rules will be simplified by no longer requiring special packaging to prevent resale.