Reported 10 months ago
To combat resale fraud, Japan is planning to implement an airport tax refund system in 2025, as the weakening yen and tax incentives have led to an increase in foreign tourists purchasing duty-free goods in Japan. However, issues have arisen with tourists reselling these goods locally, evading taxes and even collaborating with retailers like the 'Daikokudrug' pharmacy chain to profit illegally. In response, Japan is considering revising its tax-free system to prevent such practices, with the new system set to exclude long-term visitors such as students and expatriates from tax refunds and to require strict checks at airports before refunds can be issued, mirroring European refund systems.
Source: YAHOO