16. Refund registration deadline passed
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, even if you completed the customs confirmation at departure, you cannot receive the consumption tax refund unless a refund destination is registered.
The deadline for registering a refund destination differs by tax-free shop and refund operator (TRO).
Even if you left Japan after a GREEN result, you may not receive the refund if you forget to register and the deadline passes.
If the deadline has not passed, you may still receive the refund by registering a refund destination after departure.
If you are unsure whether your registration is complete, or do not know the deadline, contact the refund operator (TRO) you used.
To be sure of receiving your refund, register your refund destination before 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.