Japan will ban buying duty-free goods for resale

Japanese authorities are considering imposing restrictions on purchases by international students.

Japanese authorities are considering imposing restrictions on purchases at duty-free stores. First, the regulations may affect international students and other residents living in the country on long-term visas. 

It is noted that foreigners practice buying goods in duty-free stores for subsequent resale, writes Kyodo News Agency regarding sources close to the government. Authorities plan to deal with such groups of buyers by introducing bans on purchases. 

Currently, the country has a rule allowing non-working international students to store at duty-free stores only six months after their entry. Stores are obliged to verify information on the status of the buyer. 

It is reported that the relevant ministries in Japan may impose new restrictions on the buyers of international students as early as 2022. The government is currently preparing for recent tax reforms. If the amendments are adopted, only tourists arriving on short-term visas will make purchases in duty-free stores.