Can Foreigners Sell Hermès Bags in Japan? What Do You Need to Bring?

Can foreigners sell Hermès bags in Japan? Is a passport alone sufficient? What else do you need to bring besides identification? Is the process the same as it is for Japanese residents?

The key to selling an Hermès bag in Japan as a foreigner is providing acceptable identification. Under Japan's secondhand dealer regulations, businesses purchasing secondhand goods must verify the seller's address, name, occupation, and age. A passport alone is not sufficient to verify an address. Contact the store in advance to confirm which documents are accepted and avoid an unnecessary trip.

Can Foreigners Sell Hermès Bags in Japan?

Yes. The same regulations apply: when purchasing secondhand goods, licensed secondhand dealers must verify the seller's address, name, occupation, and age.

This is a requirement imposed on businesses under Japan's Secondhand Articles Dealer Act. Without completing the identity verification process, a legitimate dealer cannot proceed with the purchase.

Is a Passport Alone Enough to Sell an Hermès Bag in Japan as a Foreigner?

According to the National Police Agency of Japan's 2024 Interpretative and Operational Standards, a passport does not qualify as an "identification document, etc." for identity verification by secondhand dealers.

This is because the address field in a passport can be filled in by the holder without verification by the issuing authority, meaning it cannot serve as proof of address (National Police Agency of Japan: Interpretative and Operational Standards for the Secondhand Articles Dealer Act, August 14, 2024).

If you plan to bring only your passport, contact the store beforehand to confirm what additional documents or information you will need.

What Else Should Foreigners Bring Besides Identification When Selling an Hermès Bag in Japan?

You will need to bring valid identification and the item itself to the store.

We recommend bringing all accompanying accessories as well. Listed in descending order of their impact on valuation: shoulder strap (where applicable) > Clochette (key bell) > lock and keys > blue dust bag and blue box > standard dust bag and box. Functional accessories are considered part of the item itself and may need to be replaced if missing. Dust bags and packaging boxes are supplementary items and generally have a smaller impact on valuation.

Not having the original receipt does not prevent you from selling your item, but it may affect the appraisal process. A more thorough authentication process may be required to verify the item's origin and authenticity. See Can You Sell an Hermès Bag Without the Original Receipt or Box? (https://ginzaxiaoma.com/zh-CN/blog/selling-without-original-receipt).

Is the Process the Same for Foreigners and Japanese Residents Selling Hermès Bags in Japan?

Yes. The process consists of the same four steps: an initial online quote, in-store authentication, contract signing, and payment.

Authentication consists of three stages: checking the item's condition, verifying its authenticity, and checking its accessories. Rare models, exotic leathers, or items requiring further verification may need additional assessment time. These evaluations are generally completed within 24 hours.

For an online quote, we recommend providing the following photos: full front view, back, bottom, all four corners, handle bases, close-ups of the hardware, interior lining, stamp location, a group photo of the accompanying accessories, and a 360-degree video. The more complete the information, the smaller the price adjustment is likely to be after the physical inspection.

For the complete process, see The Complete Guide to Selling Your Hermès Bag (https://ginzaxiaoma.com/zh-CN/blog/guide-to-selling-your-hermes).

Where Can You Sell Hermès Bags in Japan?

XIAOMA has stores in Ginza, Tokyo, and Umeda, Osaka. Both locations offer direct buyout and consignment services.

We recommend making an appointment in advance so that an appraiser can be arranged. Please contact the store beforehand to confirm whether walk-ins are available.

XIAOMA has stores in Japan (Ginza, Tokyo and Umeda, Osaka), Hong Kong, Singapore, France (Paris), Dubai, and the United States (New York). All locations offer the same services.

For an overview of the four types of secondhand Hermès dealers in Japan and how to choose between them, see What Types of Secondhand Hermès Stores Are There in Japan, and How Should You Choose? (https://ginzaxiaoma.com/zh-CN/blog/japanese-reseller-types).

How Can You Verify Whether a Store Selling Hermès Bags in Japan Is Legitimate?

Rather than focusing on the store's size or advertising, check these four independently verifiable points:

1. Whether its secondhand dealer license number can be verified
2. Whether it has a physical store address that customers can visit
3. Whether price deductions are explained in writing
4. Whether the payment timeframe is clearly stated

XIAOMA's secondhand dealer license number is Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission No. 304381506931.

For a complete 10-point checklist and instructions on how to verify each item, see How to Tell Whether a Secondhand Hermès Store Is Legitimate (https://ginzaxiaoma.com/zh-CN/blog/identify-legit-reseller).

Next Steps

Before visiting a store, go through the items you need to check at each stage in order. See What Should You Check Before Selling Your Hermès Bag? (https://ginzaxiaoma.com/zh-CN/blog/selling-checklist).

XIAOMA has specialized in Hermès for over 10 years and has authenticated more than 2 million luxury items to date.

XIAOMA (Ginza Xiaoma) is operated by ASU BRAND Co., Ltd.

Not sure whether to choose a direct buyout or consignment? Contact XIAOMA for a complimentary buyout quote + recommended consignment price, so you can compare both options at once.

Last updated: November 2026