Two weeks to go: Japan waives taxes on food & cosmetics over ¥5,000 from Oct 1

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Attention travelers to Japan: The Japanese government will launch a new tax exemption system in just two weeks. According to Japanese media reports, the new tax exemption policy for international tourists will take effect on October 1, with a threshold of ¥5,000 and the addition of categories such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics to the list of tax-free items.


Tokyo Tower, Japan. (Photo / Reporter Hong Shengyi)

Japan will implement a new tax exemption system starting October 1, 2014, to attract more international tourists. With the consumption tax rate raised to 8% from April 1, leading to price hikes across various goods and services, the Japanese government has devised this new tax policy to mitigate the impact on tourism. In addition to previously exempted items like electronics and clothing, the new policy includes food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics, all eligible for tax exemption if the total purchase reaches ¥5,000. The policy is set to take effect on October 1. ¥5,000 is approximately equivalent to NT$1,400. Only stores displaying the "Japan Tax-Free Shop" sign are authorized to offer tax exemptions.

Key Points of Japan’s New Tax Exemption Measures
1. Expanded to include consumable goods such as food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and tobacco.
2. Tax exemption applies to purchases totaling between ¥5,000 and ¥500,000.
3. Tax-free items must remain unopened.
4. Purchased items must be taken out of Japan within 30 days.
5. The new policy is expected to take effect on October 1.