Surge in inbound tourists prompts Japan Tourism Agency to consider electronic tax exemption procedures

▲ The Japanese government expanded tax-free items starting in 2014, including cosmetics and health products. (Photo / Cai Wenjun, reporter)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Since 2014, when tax exemption criteria were relaxed, and from 2015 onward, with the Japanese yen continuing to weaken, the number of travelers visiting Japan has doubled. In response to the increasing number of foreign visitors, the Japan Tourism Agency is now considering digitizing the tax exemption process to save time for both travelers and retailers.

According to the current tax exemption system stipulated by the Japanese government, travelers shopping at eligible tax refund stores who meet the minimum purchase requirement can apply for tax exemption. The store will assist in filling out the “Purchaser’s Pledge Form” and the “Purchase Record,” then staple the receipt and purchase record inside the traveler’s passport. When departing the country, the traveler must detach these documents and submit them at the customs counter at the airport.

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