July 29, 2026, 9:42 a.m.
The tax-free system “SmartDetax” and the tax-free refund application platformSmart Technologies & Resources, which develops and operates the duty-free system “SmartDetax” and the duty-free refund application platform “JPrefund,” and SB Payment Service (SBPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank, have integrated “JPrefund” with SBPS’s money transfer service and began offering a new duty-free refund service in July 2026.In anticipation of the transition to the post-purchase tax-free refund system (refund method) for foreign tourists visiting Japan, scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2026, this service—which provides integrated support ranging from data integration with the tax-free system to cashless refunds—is reportedly the first of its kind among domestic tax-free systems.
By implementing “JPrefund,” merchants can gradually implement store operations designed for the new system even before the transition to the refund system, scheduled to take effect in November 2026. This will ensure a smooth transition to the new system while also streamlining duty-free operations and reducing the burden on store staff.Furthermore, travelers can receive the amount equivalent to the consumption tax via cashless methods—such as credit cards or international digital wallets—after customs confirms that the goods have been taken out of the country, eliminating the need to receive cash or return to the store.
Japan’s duty-free system is scheduled to shift from the current immediate tax-free system to the refund system effective November 1, 2026.Under the refund system, businesses (duty-free shops) will sell goods at prices inclusive of consumption tax, and travelers will receive a refund equivalent to the consumption tax once customs confirms that the goods have been taken out of the country upon departure from Japan. Consequently, there is a need for “accurate verification of travelers’ identities and preservation of transaction records” and “refund determinations linked to verification information from customs,”“rapid online refunds of the consumption tax amount.” Adapting to the new system is expected to require a certain preparation period, including modifications to duty-free systems, data integration with customs, and the establishment of refund methods for travelers. Therefore, it is important to prepare operations and systems in advance.Consequently, to support businesses in a smooth transition to the refund system, the two companies will provide a tax-free refund service that integrates with SBPS’s money transfer service, utilizing “JPrefund,” which allows the entire cashless refund application process to be completed online.
In conjunction with this partnership, Smart Technologies has opened the “JPrefund” connection API as a collaborative platform to contribute to the widespread adoption of tax-free refund services in Japan.As a result, in addition to merchants using “SmartDetax,” those using tax-free systems developed by other companies or in-house will also be able to integrate with “JPrefund” and support the refund system without having to replace their existing tax-free systems.The company states that this integration platform allows businesses to transition to the new system while minimizing the impact on store operations and continuing to utilize their existing tax-free systems.
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