Not eligible for tax exemption? Three Chinese nationals slapped with ¥25 million in consumption tax after splurging ¥250 million at Japanese duty-free shops

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,.Japan’s tax-free system is mainly aimed at foreign tourists and Japanese people residing abroad long-term, offering exemptions of 8%-10% consumption tax on items such as electronics, cosmetics, and food purchased at specific tax-free stores.The tax-free condition is that purchased tax-free items must be in special tax-free packaging bags, cannot be opened or used within Japan, and must be taken out of the country within 180 days.

,,6,,,,.The tax authorities reviewed purchase records after receiving electronic data from duty-free shops and confirmed that these three individuals had bought a large number of high-end branded goods, leading to an investigation.Three Chinese nationals were judged as not meeting the conditions for duty-free purchases because they could not provide proof that the duty-free goods they purchased would be taken out of the country.

,:“,”.However, they did not retain the materials proving that the goods they purchased would be sent overseas. According to the previous consumption tax law, they will be charged the corresponding consumption tax.

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,.According to data from the Japan Tourism Agency, as of the end of March this year, there were a total of 53,650 stores nationwide, an increase of 1,423 over the six months since the end of September last year.The additional duty-free shops are mainly located in popular spots such as airports, shopping malls, and tourist areas.

,.However, many resellers have exploited loopholes to engage in illegal tax evasion.

11,.Within the one-year period ending last June, 30 investigations were conducted, involving a total collection amount of 1.2 billion yen.

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