Global Blue TFS Japan Becomes Japan’s First Tax Free Shopping Provider to Secure Type 1 Funds Transfer Service License
Tokyo, Japan – [Oct 14th 2026] – Global Blue TFS Japan Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Global Blue, the world's leading Tax Free Shopping provider, today announced that it has obtained a Type 1 Funds Transfer Service License in Japan, becoming the first Tax Free service provider in the country to achieve this regulatory milestone.
The license strengthens Global Blue TFS Japan Co., Ltd.’s capabilities in Japan as the country prepares to transition to its new refund-based Tax Free Shopping framework, scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2026.
Under the new framework, eligible international travelers will pay the tax-inclusive price at the point of purchase and receive their tax refund once the required conditions have been confirmed. The change represents a significant evolution of Japan's Tax Free Shopping journey and processes.
In particular, under Japan’s regulatory framework, a Type 1 Funds Transfer Service License enables funds transfer services, including refunds exceeding JPY 1 million, in full compliance with Japanese law, and requires the highest standards of customer fund protection, anti-money laundering controls, and regulatory compliance.
By combining its Tax Free Shopping technology with regulated funds transfer capabilities, Global Blue Japan will be able to provide merchants with an integrated solution spanning the Tax Free Shopping journey, from issuing Tax Free transactions in store to purchase validation and transaction processing through to refund execution.
Simplifying Tax Free Shopping for Retailers and Travelers
For Retailers, this means the ability to manage key elements of the Tax Free Shopping process through a single provider, helping to simplify operational workflows, reduce handoffs between systems and service providers, and improve visibility across all refunds. Refunds exceeding JPY 1 million can also be processed in full compliance with Japanese law.
For international travelers, this model is designed to provide a simpler shopping-to-refund journey, with greater consistency throughout the process and secure, convenient refund execution.
A Commitment to Compliance and Trust
As a licensed Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider, Global Blue TFS Japan places compliance at the very top of its priorities. The company is committed to fully meeting its obligations under the Payment Services Act, the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, and all other applicable laws and regulations, and to operating in line with the guidance of the Financial Services Agency and other supervisory authorities. Through robust anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls and continuous enhancement of its internal compliance framework, Global Blue aims to provide Tax Free refund services which can be trusted by all stakeholders.
Supporting Japan's New Tax Refunds Shopping Framework
As Japan continues to welcome increasing numbers of international visitors, retailers are seeking solutions that simplify Tax Free Shopping while enhancing the traveler experience. Global Blue's new regulatory status positions the company to support merchants with a fully integrated platform that improves efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Obtaining the Type 1 Funds Transfer Service License marks a significant milestone for Global Blue in Japan.
Obtaining the Type 1 Funds Transfer Service License marks a significant milestone for Global Blue in Japan.
As the first Tax Free service provider in the market to achieve this status, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a truly end-to-end solution that benefits merchants, travelers, and the broader retail ecosystem.
About Global Blue
Global Blue by Shift4 is the industry leader in Tax Free Shopping solutions, simplifying the tax refund process for international travelers and driving revenue for retailers through a fully integrated commerce experience. As a business partner for the shopping journey, we seamlessly connect shoppers and brands worldwide, powering over 40 million transactions each year. For more information, please visit globalblue.com and shift4.com.
Established in Japan in 2013 through a joint venture with NTT DATA, Global Blue TFS Japan is the market leader in Japan's Tax Free Shopping industry, with services deployed across all 47 prefectures nationwide.
Leveraging more than 40 years of global expertise in Tax Free Shopping, traveler behavior, and international retail trends, Global Blue provides integrated tax free, data intelligence, and consulting solutions that benefit both merchants and travelers. The company supports over 300,000 retail stores, including department stores, luxury boutiques, and hotels, across 45 countries worldwide.
Drawing on its extensive international experience, Global Blue continues to help retailers navigate evolving Tax Free regulations while delivering innovative solutions that enhance the shopping journey for international visitors.
Global Blue is committed to driving innovation at the intersection of shopping, payments, and consumer intelligence.
For more information, visit globalblue.com/en/business
