Can You Buy Heated Tobacco at Duty-Free Shops? Purchasing Rules and Important Points Explained

When you travel on international flights, it is widely known that you can buy tobacco products at good prices at airport duty-free shops, but many people do not realize that you can also purchase heated tobacco at duty-free shops. Heated tobacco has been rapidly gaining popularity among smokers because it is used without fire and produces less smoke, yet many details about duty-free availability, purchasing rules, and duty-free prices for heated tobacco remain surprisingly unknown. This article comprehensively explains everything travelers need to know, from basic knowledge about heated tobacco to purchasing methods at airport duty-free shops, the benefits of duty-free prices, purchasing rules, and important points about carrying heated tobacco. If you are planning to purchase heated tobacco at major Japanese airports including Kansai International Airport, this guide is for you.

Find Heated Tobacco|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Must-Buy Tobacco at Duty Free Shops in Japan! Shopping Guide and Regulations

What Is Heated Tobacco? Understanding the Difference from Conventional Cigarettes

Heated tobacco is a new type of tobacco product that differs from conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. To begin, let us look at the basic mechanism and characteristics of heated tobacco.

Basic Mechanism of Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco is a type of tobacco product in which tobacco leaves are heated electrically instead of being burned with fire. Using a specialized battery-powered heated tobacco device, the tobacco leaves are heated and the resulting vapor is inhaled. While regular cigarettes burn at approximately 900°C, heated tobacco warms the tobacco without burning it, so no open flame is required.

Because of this mechanism, what is produced when you use heated tobacco is not smoke but vapor, which has significantly less odor compared to traditional tobacco smoke. Another major difference is that since no fire is used, there is no smoke or ash. You do not need a lighter or other ignition device, and you can use heated tobacco simply by operating the buttons on the device.

Differences Between Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes

Regular cigarettes involve lighting tobacco wrapped in paper and inhaling the smoke from combustion. In contrast, heated tobacco warms the tobacco without burning it, so no combustion smoke is produced.

The biggest difference from e-cigarettes is that heated tobacco uses tobacco leaves, while e-cigarettes do not use tobacco leaves at all and instead heat liquid to produce vapor. For this reason, heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are treated as completely different products. Heated tobacco contains nicotine and is regulated under tobacco laws, whereas e-cigarette regulations vary by country and region.

Characteristics, Benefits, and Drawbacks of Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco has several characteristics compared to conventional cigarettes. The biggest benefit is that because it does not use fire, there is no smoke or ash, and odor is minimal. With smoking areas becoming increasingly limited in modern society, more people are choosing heated tobacco because of its reduced impact on the surroundings.

However, heated tobacco still contains nicotine, so the health impact is not zero. Having less smoke does not mean it is completely harmless, and it remains addictive. In addition, you need a specialized heated tobacco device, which requires an initial investment, and the device needs charging and maintenance. These points can be considered drawbacks.

Item	Cigarettes	Heated Tobacco	E-Cigarettes
Uses Tobacco Leaves	Yes	Yes	No
Combustion Temperature	Approx. 900°C	No Combustion	No Combustion
Smoke Production	Yes	No (Vapor Only)	No (Vapor Only)
Ash Production	Yes	No	No
Odor	Strong	Minimal	Almost None
Nicotine	Yes	Yes	Depends on Product
Specialized Device	Not Required	Required	Required

As you can see, heated tobacco uses tobacco leaves while suppressing combustion smoke and odor, which is why this type of product has been accepted by many smokers.

Find Heated Tobacco|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
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Can You Purchase Heated Tobacco at Japanese Airport Duty-Free Shops?

When you use Japanese international airports, whether you can purchase heated tobacco at duty-free shops is something many travelers wonder about. Below, we look in detail at heated tobacco availability at duty-free shops and where you can buy it.

Availability at Major Airport Duty-Free Shops

Duty-free shops at major international airports in Japan sell heated tobacco products. Major international airports in Japan, including Kansai International Airport, carry a wide variety of heated tobacco, and travelers can purchase heated tobacco at duty-free prices just like regular cigarettes.

Especially at KIX DUTY FREE at Kansai International Airport, there is a dedicated heated tobacco section in the departure area with an extremely extensive selection. Major brand heated tobacco products are almost completely covered, and both sticks and devices are available for purchase.

Where and When You Can Purchase

Only passengers on international flights can purchase heated tobacco at duty-free prices. Purchase locations are limited to duty-free shops in the departure area, that is, past the departure gates after completing departure procedures. You can shop at duty-free stores by presenting your boarding pass.

At some airports, you can also purchase heated tobacco at arrival duty-free shops. Some airports, including Kansai International Airport, have duty-free shops in the arrival area, allowing you to buy heated tobacco when returning from trips. However, items purchased upon arrival are brought into Japan, so if you exceed the tax-free limits mentioned later, they become subject to taxation.

Duty-free tobacco sales are not available in domestic flight areas or at shops outside the airport. To purchase heated tobacco at duty-free prices, you must use an international flight and buy in the departure area or at arrival duty-free shops.

Popular brands of heated tobacco can sell out, so using the pre-order site at KIX DUTY FREE at Kansai International Airport to secure inventory in advance is a smart approach. This reservation system is extremely convenient, especially during peak seasons or for popular heated tobacco brands.

Find Heated Tobacco|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View IQOS Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View GLO Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View PLOOM Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Rules for Purchasing Heated Tobacco at Duty-Free Shops

When purchasing heated tobacco at duty-free shops, there are several rules and restrictions to follow. It is important to properly understand age restrictions, purchase quantity limits, and tax-free allowances for heated tobacco.

Must-Buy Tobacco at Duty Free Shops in Japan! Shopping Guide and Regulations

Age Restrictions and ID Requirements

In Japan, selling tobacco to anyone under 20 years old is prohibited by law, and the same applies at duty-free shops, so customers under 20 cannot purchase heated tobacco. Age verification may be conducted at the time of purchase, and you may be asked to present identification such as a passport.

Purchase Quantity Limits and Tax-Free Allowance

The tax-free allowance for heated tobacco is clearly defined by Japanese customs law. When purchasing heated tobacco at duty-free shops, it is important to properly understand this tax-free range.

For Japanese customs, the tax-free limit for heated tobacco is up to 10 individual packs (generally 1 carton). This is the tax-free allowance per person, and within this range, you can bring heated tobacco into Japan without paying taxes. For example, you can combine items within the tax-free allowance, such as 5 packs of heated tobacco and 100 regular cigarettes. (As of November 2025)

Procedures and Precautions When Exceeding Tax-Free Limits

If you purchase heated tobacco exceeding the tax-free limit of 1 carton, you need to declare it at customs upon entry and pay taxes on the excess amount. Declaration is made at the customs area after immigration, where you proceed to the declaration counter.

Bringing in tobacco exceeding the tax-free range without declaration may result in confiscation or fines. If it is discovered during customs inspection and deemed malicious, criminal penalties may be imposed. It is crucial to declare honestly.

When heated tobacco is declared, taxes such as tobacco tax and consumption tax are levied on the excess amount. Tax amounts vary depending on the product and quantity, but even if you purchase heated tobacco at a duty-free shop, depending on the tax amount, it might end up being more expensive than domestic prices. If you plan to purchase heated tobacco in large quantities, it is a good idea to check the tax amount in advance. Note that some countries prohibit bringing in heated tobacco regardless of declaration, so caution is needed.

Attention at Entry and Exit in Japan! Are You Checking the Duty-Free Rules

Comparing Duty-Free Prices and Savings for Heated Tobacco

The biggest benefit of purchasing heated tobacco at duty-free shops is that you can buy it cheaper than usual since there are no taxes. Let us look at how much you can save, comparing heated tobacco with regular cigarettes.

At duty-free shops, various taxes like consumption tax and tobacco tax are exempted, allowing you to purchase heated tobacco at prices lower than regular domestic prices. However, since heated tobacco and regular cigarettes have different tax rates, the discount rates also differ.

While regular cigarettes can be purchased at about 30% less than domestic prices, heated tobacco generally offers about a 10% discount. For example, a carton of heated tobacco that sells domestically for around 5,800 yen can be purchased at duty-free shops for about 5,200 yen. For regular cigarettes, the same 5,800 yen product would be around 4,000 yen, showing a difference in discount rates.

This difference exists because the tax rate originally applied to heated tobacco is lower than that for regular cigarettes. Even so, you save roughly the amount of consumption tax, so it is worth considering duty-free purchases of heated tobacco when using international flights. At KIX DUTY FREE, you can get even better deals on heated tobacco by using discount promotions on the pre-order site.

Find Heated Tobacco|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View IQOS Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View GLO Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View PLOOM Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Rules for Carrying Heated Tobacco to Your Destination

After purchasing heated tobacco at duty-free shops, it is important to know how to carry it on flights and the rules at your destination. Since regulations differ by country and region, advance confirmation is essential for heated tobacco users.

Must-Buy Tobacco at Duty Free Shops in Japan! Shopping Guide and Regulations

How to Carry on Flights and Device Handling

Since heated tobacco devices contain lithium batteries, they cannot be placed in checked luggage on airplanes and must be carried as cabin baggage. This is due to aviation law regulations, as lithium batteries pose a fire risk, so checking them into the cargo hold is prohibited.

When carrying a heated tobacco device in the cabin, it is recommended to completely power off the device and take measures to prevent accidental activation, such as placing it in a protective case. Also, using or charging heated tobacco devices during the flight is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited by law, and violations can result in penalties under aviation law.

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Regulations and Precautions in Destination Countries

Regulations on heated tobacco vary greatly by country and region. While heated tobacco is legally sold and used in Japan, some countries completely prohibit bringing in or using heated tobacco.

Particularly in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Australia, India, etc., bringing in heated tobacco is prohibited, and mere possession can result in hefty fines or confiscation. If you are traveling to these countries, it is wise not to bring heated tobacco at all. You will need to dispose of your heated tobacco at the airport or leave it in Japan.

Even in other countries, there may be quantity restrictions on how much heated tobacco you can bring in, or limitations on where you can use it. Before traveling, it is important to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas safety information and each country's customs information to understand the rules for bringing in heated tobacco.

Where You Can Use It and Public Etiquette

While heated tobacco is characterized by minimal smoke, where you can use it is determined by each country or region's laws and ordinances. In many countries, similar to regular cigarettes, use of heated tobacco is prohibited in indoor public spaces and restaurants.

It is also important to be considerate of those around you when using heated tobacco. While odor is minimal, it is not completely odorless. Avoid using heated tobacco in crowded places or where people are nearby, and be mindful not to inconvenience others.

View IQOS Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View GLO Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
View PLOOM Products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Find Tobacco|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Summary

Heated tobacco is available for purchase at duty-free shops at major international airports in Japan, and you can get heated tobacco at duty-free prices about 10% cheaper than domestic retail prices. At airports including Kansai International Airport, you can choose from an extensive selection of heated tobacco at duty-free shops in the departure area, and some airports also offer purchases at arrival duty-free shops.

For purchases of heated tobacco, you need to understand that you must be 20 years or older, and Japan's tax-free limit is up to 1 carton per person. If you exceed the tax-free range, you can still bring in heated tobacco by declaring it at customs and paying taxes on the excess. Failing to declare can result in confiscation or fines, so honest declaration is important.

Regarding carrying heated tobacco on flights, devices with built-in lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin, and you must remember that use and charging during the flight are prohibited. Depending on the destination country, bringing in or using heated tobacco may be completely prohibited. In Singapore, Thailand, and other countries, mere possession of heated tobacco can result in penalties. It is crucial to check your destination's regulations before traveling and respond appropriately.

Purchasing heated tobacco at duty-free shops saves money compared to retail prices and offers particular benefits for those who frequently use international flights. However, you should always observe destination regulations and usage etiquette, remain considerate of others, and practice responsible use of heated tobacco. Gather information in advance, understand the rules, and enjoy comfortable travel and smart shopping.

References:
https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/index.html
https://www.customs.go.jp/tetsuzuki/c-answer/keitaibetsuso/7105_jr.htm
https://www.kanzei.or.jp/tradematerials/perasonal_effects/

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