Are duty-free items “required to be carried onboard”? Narita Airport: Just take them out of the country

Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Taipei reporting

Japan has expanded its list of duty-free items from October, with many additional new regulations for new categories such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, alcohol, and tobacco. In addition to the absolute requirement that they not be opened before departure, the most confusing issue for all travelers is whether these duty-free items should be “carried onboard” or “checked in.” ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud has exclusively obtained answers from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports for travelers planning to shop in Japan.

＞＞＞＞＞＞“Japan’s New Duty-Free Rules” Cheat Sheet: 8 Common Questions Answered at Once

▲ Regarding the new duty-free regulations, Narita Airport stated that as long as the duty-free items are taken out of the country, it’s fine, but remember not to open them. (Illustration / from Wikipedia)

The three major international airports mainly responded to the following two questions:

1. Must consumable duty-free items “definitely” be carried in hand luggage?

Haneda International Airport::When purchasing at duty-free shops, merchants will staple the product purchase record ticket into the traveler’s passport. When leaving Japan, customs will check the traveler’s passport and the record ticket, as well as confirm the purchased duty-free items.

Narita International Airport::As long as the duty-free items are taken out of the country, it’s fine.

Osaka Kansai International Airport::Even though the duty-free range has been expanded, the process remains unchanged from before.

2. If all duty-free items are placed in a suitcase and checked in, will consumption tax be additionally charged for not carrying them onboard?

Haneda International Airport::For “liquid-type” and other duty-free items that must be checked in, travelers must contact customs before checking in.

Narita Airport::As long as the duty-free items are taken out of the country, no consumption tax will be additionally charged. However, travelers must remember to have their passport and product purchase record ticket checked by customs staff on their way to security and departure procedures.

Osaka Kansai International Airport::If the duty-free items have already been placed in a suitcase for checked baggage, travelers must inform ground staff when checking in with the airline, and ground staff will assist in notifying customs.