For a limited time! FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $300 (Only applicable for North America and Europe)
France charges a 20% value-added tax on almost everything sold here. If you live outside the European Union, a portion of that tax can be returned to you before you board your flight home. The process is called la détaxe, and knowing how it works before you arrive at the airport makes all the difference.
Any visitor whose usual place of residence is outside the European Union is eligible, provided they are over 16 and visiting France for less than six months. Each purchase must total more than €100.01, inclusive of tax. Clothing, beauty, tableware, homeware, and decorative objects all qualify. Food, books, tobacco, vintage items, weapons, and cultural goods are excluded.
This step happens at the cash register, before the transaction is complete. When you are ready to pay, inform the sales staff that you would like a tax-free form before they process payment, and present your passport. Your physical passport is required – a photograph will not be accepted.
If you are able to speak a bit of French, say: “J’ai besoin d’un bordereau de détaxe.” If not, simply saying “Détaxe” will tell staff exactly what you need. The store will then create either an electronic PABLO form, linked to France’s centralized customs system, or a paper form through a provider such as Global Blue or Premier Tax Free. Be sure to ask which one they use – it will determine what you do at the airport.
You must validate your bordereaux before the end of the third month following the month of purchase. On the day of departure, this must happen before checking in your luggage and passing through security. The détaxe desk is located in the public zone of the airport. Once your bags are checked, customs cannot inspect your purchases if asked, and your refund can be refused. Keep everything you intend to claim unused, in its original packaging, and easily accessible until the process is complete.
At Charles de Gaulle, follow the signs marked Détaxe / Tax Refund.
You have two options:
– If your bordereau bears a barcode, use a PABLO kiosk. These self-service terminals are available in nine languages. You will need your items, your passport, your boarding pass, and your bordereau. Scan the barcode and wait for the green confirmation screen. If the kiosk returns a red result, proceed to the manned customs desk nearby; an officer will handle it manually.
– If your form is marked “procédure de secours”, or if you are carrying forms issued by another EU country, go directly to the customs desk for a manual stamp.
Allow more time than you think you need. Queues at peak hours can be significant.
Present your passport and your customs-validated bordereau at the refund desk.
Where you go depends on your departure terminal:
– Terminals 1, 2E, & 2AC: refunds in cash are available at a Cash Paris bureau, either in the public zone or airside after security.
– Terminals 2BD, 2G, & 3: refunds in cash are handled by Global Exchange bureaux.
In all terminals, a card refund is also available. Card refunds are processed within four to six weeks.
If your journey home connects through another European city – Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich – France is still your point of departure from the EU. The validation must be completed before leaving France. Do not assume another airport will manage it on your behalf.
The détaxe exists because the French government recognizes that visitors should not pay the same tax as residents. It is, in that sense, simply what you are owed. Bon voyage – and bon shopping!
Planning a trip to France?
Our Bon Voyage Box has everything you need for the journey. A curated collection of French travel essentials for the woman on the go. Reserve yours today
