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- Checking in your suitcase first. The check must be done before baggage drop. Checked bags cannot be taken back.
- Missing one item from a receipt. The check works per receipt. If one item is missing, nothing on that receipt is refunded.
- Opening or using consumables. Food, drinks or cosmetics used in Japan mean the receipt cannot be refunded. Tell customs at the counter instead of using the kiosk.
- Leaving more than 90 days after purchase. The check must be done within 90 days of the date of purchase.
- Arriving too late. If you stop a red-result inspection to catch your flight, the check does not count, and missed flights are not compensated.
- Doing the check at the wrong airport. On a domestic-to-international connection, only the last airport in Japan counts.
- Not registering a refund method. If you skip the registration the shop explains, the money has nowhere to go.
- Buying more than you can carry. Tax-free purchases are limited to what you can take out of Japan yourself.
- Not taking the goods abroad after the check. The tax is collected again and penalties can apply.
Simple habit that prevents most problems
Keep tax-free purchases in one bag, grouped by receipt, unopened, and do the kiosk check as the very first thing at the airport.