AIRPORT DUTY FREE GUIDEAirport DUTY FREE vs in-town TAX FREE | Japan's November 2026 change
The names sound similar, but the location, taxes and process differ. From 1 November 2026, in-town TAX FREE uses tax-inclusive payment followed by a refund after export confirmation. Airport DUTY FREE after departure procedures is outside this refund process.
DUTY FREE
Buy at duty-free prices after departure procedures
Eligible goods are free of consumption tax; alcohol, tobacco and imports may also be free of customs, liquor or tobacco taxes. Pay in store without waiting for a later refund.
- CONSUMPTION TAX
- CUSTOMS DUTY
- LIQUOR TAX
- TOBACCO TAX
TAX FREE
Buy in town, then refund after export confirmation
For eligible non-residents and goods, primarily covering Japanese consumption tax. From November 2026, pay the tax-inclusive price; after customs confirms export, the tax-free shop processes the refund.
- CONSUMPTION TAX
- EXPORT CONFIRMATION
- REFUND METHOD
From 1 November 2026: the in-town TAX FREE flow
- 01
The shop charges the tax-inclusive price
- 02
At departure, present passport and goods to customs if requested
- 03
After export confirmation, the shop processes the refund
AIRPORT DUTY FREE
Airport DUTY FREE remains direct: shop after departure procedures, no later refund, and broader tax relief for categories such as alcohol and tobacco. It is the straightforward choice before boarding.