HOW DOES TAX-FREE SHOPPING WORK?

If you live outside the European Union, you may, under certain conditions, qualify for tax-free shopping when purchasing Celinni diamond jewelry. In France, the standard VAT rate is 20%. Tax-free shopping allows eligible travelers to benefit from VAT exemption or a VAT refund on their engagement ring, wedding ring, or any other piece of jewelry intended to be taken outside the European Union.

What Is Tax-Free Shopping at Celinni?

If your usual place of residence is outside the European Union, you may be eligible for tax-free shopping on Celinni jewelry purchases intended to be exported outside the EU, provided that you meet the applicable regulatory requirements.

At the time of purchase, Celinni provides you with an export sales form (tax-free form). This document must be validated when you permanently leave the European Union. In the event of a customs inspection, you must also be able to present the jewelry concerned.

Validation of the form confirms that the item has been exported and, depending on the arrangements agreed upon at the time of purchase, initiates the VAT refund procedure.

Before making your purchase, it is therefore important to understand the eligibility requirements, required documents and customs procedures you must follow.

What Are the Requirements for Tax-Free Shopping?

If you are a resident outside the European Union and meet the eligibility requirements, two options may be available when purchasing your diamond jewelry.

Option 1: Purchase at One of Our Showrooms

If you wish to purchase jewelry in France and take it with you or give it as a gift abroad:

You place your order at one of our Celinni showrooms.
You provide the documents required for tax-free shopping, including your passport.
Your advisor explains the applicable invoicing arrangements and, where applicable, any VAT deposit required.
You receive your tax-free form.
You have the form validated when you permanently leave the European Union.
Once validated, the VAT refund or any applicable VAT deposit reimbursement is processed according to the terms agreed upon at the time of purchase.

To prepare for your visit, you can book an appointment with one of our advisors.

Option 2: Direct Shipping Abroad

You order a piece of jewelry and wish to have it delivered directly to a country outside the European Union.

The conditions for VAT-free invoicing, international shipping and any costs associated with transportation or export formalities depend on the destination and the terms applicable to your order.

Please see our delivery information or contact your Celinni advisor before finalizing your purchase.

Please note: customs duties, import taxes or other local charges may apply in the destination country. These charges are separate from French VAT. We recommend checking with the customs authorities in your country before placing your order.

Who Is Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?

To qualify for the tourist VAT refund scheme in France, you must notably:

be 16 years old or over;
have your usual place of residence outside the European Union;
stay in the European Union for less than six months;
be able to provide proof of your identity and residence outside the EU;
purchase the goods for personal, non-commercial use;
comply with the requirements governing the transportation and export of goods outside the European Union.

At the time of purchase, you must provide the required supporting documents. Depending on your circumstances, these may include your passport and a document proving that your usual place of residence is outside the European Union.

Which Purchases Are Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?

To qualify for tax-free shopping, your purchases must meet the requirements set out under French customs regulations:

The total value of eligible purchases must be strictly over €100 including VAT.
Purchases must be made from a retailer offering tax-free shopping, within the same store or group of stores, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Purchases must qualify as retail sales made for tourist purposes.
Jewelry must be intended for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
The goods must actually be taken outside the European Union in compliance with the required customs formalities.

The previous threshold of €175 including VAT should therefore no longer appear on this page.

How to Claim a VAT Refund Step by Step

1. Provide the Required Documents

When making your purchase, inform your Celinni advisor that you wish to benefit from tax-free shopping and provide the documents required to confirm your eligibility.

2. Obtain Your Export Sales Form

Celinni will issue an export sales form corresponding to your purchase. Carefully check all the information on the document before your departure.

3. Take Your Jewelry Outside the European Union

You must export your jewelry outside the European Union in accordance with the requirements established by French customs regulations.

Keep your jewelry accessible until your tax-free form has been validated, as customs officers may ask to inspect the goods.

4. Validate the Form When You Leave

When permanently leaving the European Union, you must have your export sales form validated according to the procedure applicable at your point of departure.

If you are leaving the EU from France, validation can notably be completed using the electronic PABLO system.

5. Meet the Regulatory Deadline

Your jewelry must leave the European Union before the end of the third month following the month in which the purchase was made.

If your form is validated after this deadline, your VAT refund may be refused.

How to Validate Your Tax-Free Form with PABLO

If you permanently leave the European Union through France, your export sales form can be validated electronically at a PABLO terminal, provided your point of departure is equipped with one.

Electronic Validation at a PABLO Terminal

Scan the barcode on your export sales form at the PABLO terminal and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

Once the form has been successfully validated, the export of your goods is recorded electronically. If you experience any difficulties or are selected for an inspection, contact the customs officers available at your point of departure.

In the Event of a Customs Inspection

Customs officers may ask you to present:

your identity document;
your travel ticket or other proof of transportation;
your export sales form;
the jewelry concerned.

Important: you must be able to present the goods for which you are claiming a VAT refund. Failure to present them during a customs inspection may result in the cancellation of your tax-free form and, depending on the circumstances, a penalty.

For the latest requirements, please refer to the official French Customs information on the PABLO tax-free shopping procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax-Free Shopping at Celinni

Who Is Eligible for Tax-Free Shopping at Celinni?

Travelers aged 16 or over whose usual place of residence is outside the European Union and who are staying in the EU for less than six months may qualify for tax-free shopping, provided they meet all applicable regulatory requirements.

What Is the Minimum Purchase Amount for a VAT Refund?

The total value of eligible purchases must be strictly over €100 including VAT, provided all other requirements under French customs regulations are met.

How Much VAT Can I Claim Back on My Celinni Jewelry?

The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, but this does not mean that you will automatically receive 20% of the VAT-inclusive price of your jewelry. The amount actually refunded depends on the VAT applicable to your purchase and the refund arrangements in place.

How Long Do I Have to Validate My Tax-Free Form?

Your jewelry must leave the European Union before the end of the third month following the month of purchase. Your export sales form must be validated in accordance with the applicable customs formalities when you permanently leave the EU.

Can I Have VAT-Free Jewelry Shipped Directly Abroad?

Direct shipping to a country outside the European Union may be subject to specific tax arrangements. Contact Celinni before placing your order to learn more about invoicing and shipping conditions, as well as any additional charges that may apply to your destination.

Do I Have to Present My Jewelry to Customs?

You must be able to present your jewelry if requested during a customs inspection. Failure to present the goods concerned may result in your VAT refund being refused or cancelled.

Does French Customs Refund the VAT Directly?

No. French Customs is responsible, in particular, for checking and validating the export of goods from the European Union. The refund is then processed according to the arrangements established by the retailer or its tax-refund operator.

What Should I Do If the PABLO Terminal Is Not Working?

If you encounter a problem with a PABLO terminal, contact the customs office at your point of departure for instructions on the procedure to follow.

Is Tax-Free Shopping Available at Celinni Showrooms?

Tax-free shopping may be available for eligible purchases at participating Celinni showrooms. We recommend contacting your showroom or Celinni advisor before your appointment to confirm the conditions applicable to your purchase.