15. Goods that cannot be identified
Note: Japan's refund-based Tax-Free system (pay the tax-inclusive price first, then receive a refund after customs confirmation) starts on November 1, 2026. Until October 31, 2026, the current Tax-Free system (tax-excluded price at the register) continues. The answers below describe the system from November 1, 2026 unless stated otherwise.
Under Japan’s tax-free system, customs must be able to match the goods you bought with the purchase record at the customs confirmation.
For high-value items with a unit price of 1 million yen or more excluding tax in particular, you may be asked to show a certificate or warranty to identify the item.
If you throw away or lose the box, tags or warranty that came with the item and customs cannot confirm it is the same item you bought, you may not receive a refund.
Simply throwing away the box or tags does not always make the goods ineligible.
So that the customs check goes smoothly, keep certificates, warranties and other documents that identify the item — especially for high-value goods — and bring them when you leave Japan.
This page is general reference information based on Japan's refund-based Tax-Free system starting November 1, 2026. Procedures and rules may differ by store, refund provider, airport or port, and may change. Please check the latest information with the Japanese government or the store where you shop.