When Purchasing
Q: Is there a limit to the quantity I can purchase at tax-free shops?
A: The quantity of items you may purchase is limited to what you can personally carry and take out of Japan upon departure. Please make sure you can present all purchased items to customs at your departure airport or seaport.
Q: The special packaging for consumables has been abolished, but may I use consumables within Japan?
A: Although the special packaging for consumables will be abolished, if consumables such as food, beverages, or cosmetics are consumed within Japan, you will not be eligible for the customs inspection (tax refund). If you consume all or part of the consumables, please do not complete the tax-free procedures using the tax-free procedure terminal or other means; instead, report the consumption to a customs officer at the counter.
Q: Is it possible to ship tax-free goods overseas?
A: You may also receive tax exemption under the tax exemption system for export goods if you, as an eligible tax-free goods purchaser, enter into a transportation contract at a tax-free shop and hand over the tax-free goods to a transportation company there (the so-called "Direct Shipping System"), or if the business operator managing the tax-free shop exports the goods to a location outside Japan designated by you. Since the handling of overseas shipping differs depending on the tax-free shop, please inquire directly with the shop regarding whether overseas shipping is available.
