Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System Will Change from November 1, 2026
From November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free shopping system will change to a new refund method.
Under the new system, tax-free purchases are made at the tax-inclusive price at the time of purchase. When you leave Japan, Customs will confirm that the tax-free goods are being taken out of Japan. Once the tax-free purchase is confirmed, the equivalent amount of consumption tax will be refunded.
a-watch Nagoya provides tax-free shopping procedures for eligible international visitors purchasing Rolex watches and other watches.
How the New Tax-Free System Works
STEP 1 — Present Your Passport
Please present your passport when making your purchase.
We will confirm whether you are eligible for tax-free shopping under Japanese regulations.
In principle, eligible non-Japanese visitors include certain non-residents staying in Japan under statuses such as Temporary Visitor, Diplomat, or Official.
Eligibility is determined based on the applicable Japanese tax-free shopping regulations and the documents presented at the time of purchase.
STEP 2 — Purchase the Watch at the Tax-Inclusive Price
From November 1, 2026, tax-free purchases will initially be made at the tax-inclusive price.
We will complete the required tax-free purchase procedures and register the necessary purchase information.
STEP 3 — Customs Confirmation When Leaving Japan
When you leave Japan, Customs will confirm that the tax-free goods are being taken out of Japan.
Please have your passport available and be prepared to present the purchased watch if requested by Customs.
The Customs confirmation must be completed within 90 days from the date of purchase.
STEP 4 — Receive the Consumption Tax Refund
Once Customs confirms that the tax-free goods are being taken out of Japan and the tax-free purchase is confirmed, the equivalent amount of consumption tax will be refunded.
Details regarding the refund procedure and refund destination will be explained at the time of purchase.
Tax-Free Rolex Purchases at a-watch Nagoya
a-watch Nagoya specializes in vintage and antique Rolex watches, including rare vintage models and four-digit reference Rolex watches.
For high-value Rolex purchases, additional information may be required as part of the tax-free purchase record.
For purchases of goods with a pre-tax value of ¥1,000,000 or more, detailed information identifying the goods is required under the new system.
For Rolex watches, information such as the reference number and serial number may be used to identify the individual watch.
Please Keep Your Rolex Available for Customs Inspection
Under the new refund method, Customs will confirm the export of tax-free purchases when you leave Japan.
Therefore, please keep your tax-free Rolex watch with you and make it available for inspection if requested by Customs.
If you do not have the tax-free goods with you when required, or if Customs confirmation is not completed within 90 days from the date of purchase, the tax-free purchase may not be confirmed and the consumption tax refund may not be available.
After Customs has confirmed the goods, the tax-free goods must be exported from Japan without delay.
Main Requirements for Tax-Free Shopping
Please note the following requirements under the new refund method:
You must be an eligible tax-free purchaser.
You must present your passport and other required information at the time of purchase.
The tax-free goods must be taken out of Japan.
Customs confirmation must be completed within 90 days from the date of purchase.
You must be able to present the purchased goods to Customs if requested.
The goods must be purchased for export outside Japan, rather than for domestic use or consumption.
Tax-free eligibility and procedures are subject to Japanese tax regulations.
What Is Different from the Previous System?
Previous System
Present your passport
↓
Purchase the goods at a tax-exempt price
↓
Take the goods out of Japan
From November 1, 2026
Present your passport
↓
Purchase the goods at the tax-inclusive price
↓
Customs confirms the goods when you leave Japan
↓
Tax-free purchase is confirmed
↓
Consumption tax equivalent is refunded
This is the new refund method.
Online Purchases and Tax-Free Shopping
For tax-free purchases requiring tax-free procedures, a-watch Nagoya generally handles the procedure at our store.
Online purchases and domestic deliveries may be subject to different procedures.
If you would like to purchase a Rolex tax-free, please contact us before completing your purchase.
Before Visiting a-watch Nagoya
If you would like to purchase a Rolex tax-free, please bring:
Your passport
Your travel itinerary showing your departure from Japan
Any additional documents required to confirm your eligibility, if applicable
If the required passport or immigration information cannot be confirmed, we may not be able to process the tax-free purchase.
Please note that tax-free shopping requirements are subject to changes in Japanese laws and regulations.
FAQ
Can I simply buy a Rolex 10% cheaper from November 1, 2026?
No.
Under the new refund method, you will initially pay the tax-inclusive price at the time of purchase.
After Customs confirms that the tax-free goods are being taken out of Japan and the tax-free purchase is confirmed, the equivalent amount of consumption tax will be refunded.
How long do I have to leave Japan?
Customs confirmation for the tax-free goods must be completed within 90 days from the date of purchase.
Do I need to take the Rolex with me when leaving Japan?
Yes.
Please keep the Rolex with you and make it available for Customs inspection if requested.
Can I buy a Rolex worth more than ¥1,000,000 tax-free?
If you meet the requirements for tax-free shopping, the purchase may be eligible.
For goods with a pre-tax value of ¥1,000,000 or more, detailed information identifying the goods is required under the new system.
For Rolex watches, we will confirm and register the information necessary to identify the individual watch.
How will I receive the tax refund?
We will explain the required refund procedure and refund destination when you make your purchase.
Please note that the actual refund procedure may be subject to the tax-free system and operational arrangements in effect at the time of purchase.
Can foreign residents of Japan shop tax-free?
Tax-free shopping is available only to persons who meet the requirements for eligible tax-free purchasers.
Foreign nationals who reside in Japan or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may not qualify.
We will confirm your eligibility based on your passport and other required documents.
a-watch Nagoya
a-watch Nagoya specializes in vintage Rolex watches, including rare four-digit reference models.
We also offer purchase, trade-in, and consignment services for Rolex watches.
a-watch Nagoya
32-1 Daikancho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Opening Hours: 12:00–19:00
Closed: Wednesday & Sunday
TEL: +81-52-938-7699
If you have any questions about tax-free shopping before visiting us, please feel free to contact us.
About Tax-Free Shopping
This page provides general information about Japan’s tax-free shopping system for international visitors under the refund method scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2026.
Tax-free eligibility, procedures, Customs confirmation, and refunds are subject to Japanese tax laws and regulations.
For the latest and detailed information, please also refer to the official information provided by the National Tax Agency of Japan.
