‘Less than a minute’: Hong Kong travellers praise Japan’s new tax refund at airports

Hong Kong tour groups returning from Japan have praised a smooth roll-out of the country’s new tax refund arrangement that requires travellers to complete refund procedures at airports or ports rather than at shops.

Under the “pay first, refund later” scheme, which took effect on Sunday to curb illicit domestic reselling and tax evasion, international tourists must now pay the 10 per cent consumption tax upfront at the counter.

Travellers are now required to complete customs verification before checking in their luggage, either at self-service airport kiosks or via the Visit Japan Web. After verification, most will be cleared automatically, while some may be selected for customs inspection and asked to present their purchases.