Can you buy duty-free in France?

Where to buy duty-free goods in Paris. Many shops offer tax-refund services. Aéroports de Paris shops : two Parisian airports, Orly et Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, each have several dozen duty-free shops (Perfume, Cosmetics, Wines and Spirits, Tobacco, Gastronomy and Confectionery).



Yes, you can buy duty-free in France, but it is mostly beneficial for those living outside the European Union (including UK residents post-Brexit). When shopping in French cities, you can benefit from a VAT refund (Détaxe) of up to 12% if you spend more than €100.01 in a single store on the same day. You must present your original passport at the time of purchase and get a "PABLO" tax-free form. When leaving the EU, you must scan this form at a digital kiosk at the airport or train station before you check your bags to validate the export. For traditional duty-free shopping (liquor, perfume, tobacco), you can buy at the airport after passing through passport control. Be aware that since 2026, customs limits are strictly enforced: for example, bringing more than 1 liter of spirits or 200 cigarettes back to the US or UK may result in you paying the duty you "saved" in France. Always keep your receipts handy, as French customs (Douane) are quite diligent about checking the items you are claiming a refund for.

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In most cases, the personal exemption is $800, but there are some exceptions to this rule, which are explained below. Depending on the countries you have visited, your personal exemption will be $200, $800, or $1,600.

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Live animals and animal products: Live animals, as well as animal products such as fur, ivory, and reptile skin, are strictly prohibited. Certain fish and seafood: Certain types of fish and seafood, such as tuna and swordfish, are prohibited due to high levels of mercury.

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Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty-free purchases. Goods purchased in a duty-free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the United States.

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If your primary residence is located in a non-EU country or a third country, the value-added tax (VAT) may be deducted from the price of your purchases in France. As a non-EU resident, if you purchase duty-free items in France to take back to your home country, you are eligible for reimbursement of the VAT.

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For an immediate VAT refund, you should present all your documents at the tax refund desk at the airport, the port or the train station from which you are departing. Otherwise, you must send the documents by post to a tax refund office such as Detaxe SAS, Global Blue France or Detaxe.com.

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