Notice to SOFA Member Who

Purchase Tax-Free Goods

１． A new rule is coming into effect on 12 December 2022 that the SOFA members are eligible for tax-free shopping in Japan, which, in principle, will follow procedures similar to those applicable to foreign travelers.

2.SOFA members will present their passport with the SOFA stamp to RICOLAND Shops when purchasing the tax-free goods and provide the passport information to the shops.

3. SOFA members are required to export tax-free goods themselves and are not allowed to transfer or consume the tax-free goods within Japan. They cannot purchase tax-free goods for business or commercial purposes, as well as for resale purposes. SOFA members cannot buy on behalf of a third party upon his/her request through social media or other methods. With respect to consumables (i.e., cosmetics, food, beverages, liquor, medicines, tobacco), the shop will pack consumables so that they cannot be consumed in Japan. Be careful not to open the package.

4. If you do not comply with the rule, you have to pay the consumption tax at GOJ customs. In addition, if you have transferred the tax-free goods prior to your departure from Japan, you may be subject to penalty (imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than ¥500,000).

5. The following procedures will apply with respect to customs examination of tax-free goods:

　A. When a SOFA member exits Japan through a seaport or airport not controlled by the United States Forces, Japan (USFJ), the examination of the tax-free goods purchased by SOFA members will be conducted using procedures similar to those used with foreign travelers. Prior to departure, SOFA members will present their passport to the GOJ customs and, if requested by the GOJ customs authorities, present the tax-free goods they purchased. If the SOFA member has exported the tax-free goods by international mail from a Military Post Office, upon departure they will present customs with a copy of the shipping slip (i.e., USPS Customs Declaration) that proves that they exported such tax-free goods.

　B. When exit is made through facilities or areas controlled by the USFJ, SOFA members will export the tax-free goods they purchased by international mail from a Military Post Office. They will fill out their passport number at the top of the shipping slip (i.e., USPS Customs Declaration) and they will provide it to the US customs authorities. The US customs authorities will then provide the slip to the GOJ customs authorities.

Additional services for SOFA members

You can get a 5% discount by using the SOFA coupon distributed at the store.

We can provide simple English-language assistance.

However, there are times when our English-speaking staff is unavailable.

We look forward to your visit.

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