Guides › Rules Q&A
Red Result, Checked Bags, No Time: What Happens
| Situation | Official answer |
|---|---|
| Kiosk shows green | Done |
| Kiosk shows red | Take the goods to the customs inspection area |
| Already checked the suitcase | Can't be pulled back; no confirmation for those goods |
| Out of time, you abandon the inspection | Treated as not confirmed — no refund |
| Skipped the kiosk entirely | No confirmation — no refund |
| Confirmed but didn't take goods out | Tax collected and penalties apply |
The kiosk itself takes a few seconds; an inspection takes longer, so arrive early (JTA FAQ).
→ Estimate your refund with the free calculator · Departure checklist · All guides
Planning a Japan trip after Nov 1, 2026?
- Tax-Free Refund Field Guide ($7) — a step-by-step English guide to the new refund process, from shop to airport.
- Japan Trip Planner Pack ($9) — planning templates for a first Japan trip.
- Tax-Free Receipt Tracker 2026 (from $5) — spreadsheet that flags the ¥5,000 minimum, 90-day deadline and estimated refund per shop/day.
Paid products by GuroWorks, the publisher of this free site (advertisement for our own products). 14-day refund on Gumroad for the guide. The calculator stays free.
Related guides
- Can I Combine Purchases from Different Shops?
- Used, Eaten or Lost One Item: What Now?
- Can I Mail Tax-Free Items Home?
Official sources
Rules checked October 30, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Tourism Agency — Refund Method for travelers (Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler FAQ (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Customs — Tax Exemption (Refund) Program: www.customs.go.jp