Save Time and Money: Navigating Customs and Tax Refunds at CDG Airport

Picture this: You've just landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris after a long flight. You're tired, excited, and ready to start your adventure. But before you can fully dive into the City of Lights, you need to get through customs and maybe even snag some tax refunds. Sounds daunting? Don't worry! We've got you covered. In this simple guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of customs and tax refunds at CDG Airport, so you can breeze through with ease and keep more money in your pocket.

Navigating Customs: What to Expect and Where to Go at Charles de Gaulle Airport 

When you land at the airport, after you've taken your bag, you'll arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport Customs. They're right before you enter the big area where everyone is hanging out. So, it's like a stop before the main part of the airport.

Indeed, make sure you are aware of the rules so you don't get caught on your way to the country you are visiting. Thus, be on the lookout for signs or address the person concerned if it is not clear to you where to head. If you book the Arrival Meet & Greet Service at CDG Airport, your assistance will help you with customs, and you will have a smooth experience at the CDG airport.

What Personal Items Can I Bring to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)?

What you can bring to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport varies depending on whether you reside within the EU or outside of it; tax-free and customs regulations will differ accordingly.

Passengers Traveling Outside of the EU to CDG Airport

When traveling to France or other European Union (EU) countries, you're allowed to bring in certain goods without paying duty or tax, as long as you're carrying them for personal use and not planning to sell them. Here's a breakdown of what you can bring: 

  • Tobacco Products: You can bring either 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
  • Still Wine: You're allowed up to 4 liters of still wine.
  • Spirits and Liqueurs: You can bring either 1 liter of spirits or strong liqueurs with over 22% volume, or 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other liqueurs with less than 22% volume.
  • Beer: You're permitted to bring in up to 16 liters of beer.

Remember, exceeding these limits may result in having to pay duty or tax on the extra items. So, it's a good idea to stay within the allowances to avoid any unexpected charges.

Passengers Traveling Inside of the EU to CDG Airport

While traveling within European Union (EU) countries as a private person, you have room to buy goods that you will use without limits. The only thing that would cancel that is making sure that you are not planning to sell your purchases for cash. Here are the minimum amounts you're allowed to bring.

  • Cigarettes: up to 800 cigarettes.
  • Cigarillos: You can bring up to 400 cigarillos (cigars weighing a maximum of 3 grams each).
  • Cigars: A maximum of 200 cigars.
  • Tobacco: You're allowed to bring up to 1 kilogram of tobacco.
  • Spirits: You can bring back up to 10 liters of spirits.
  • Fortified Wine: You're allowed up to 20 liters of fortified wine.
  • Wine: You can bring up to 90 liters of wine, including a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wines.
  • Beer: You're permitted to bring back up to 110 liters of beer.

 Restrictions and Customs Guidelines at CDG Airport: What You Need to Know

  • Fake Stuff: Don't buy or bring fake things into France. If you do, customs will take them away, and you might have to pay a fine based on the real thing's price.
  • Drugs: It's against the law to have any drugs, even cannabis. If you're caught, you could go to jail or get fined.
  • Protecting Animals and Plants: You can't bring endangered animals or plants into France. This helps keep them safe and saves the environment.
  • Medicines and Food: Make sure you know the rules before you travel, especially about medicines and food. If you're coming from a country outside of Europe, you can't bring meat or dairy without the right paperwork.
  • Money and Valuables: If you're carrying €10,000 or more (or its value in another currency), you have to tell Customs when you come in or leave France, no matter where you're going.

Locating Customs Desks at CDG Airport Terminals 

If you're wondering where to find the customs desks at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), here's a handy guide:

  • Terminal 1: You'll find them on the CDGVAL Level in Hall 6.
  • Terminal 2A: Look for Exit 5.
  • Terminal 2B: They're on the Arrivals level.
  • Terminal 2C: Head to Exit 12.
  • Terminal 2E: You'll spot them on the Departures level, at Exit 8d.
  • Terminal 2F: Check out the Arrivals level, at Exit 10a.
  • After you go through security, they're in the Departures area.

Knowing where to find the customs desks can make your journey through the airport a lot smoother!

Tax Refund at CDG Airport

Did you know that you might be eligible for a tax refund on your purchases? Whether you're a visitor or a resident, understanding the tax refund process can help you save money. Let's explore how you can claim your tax refund right here at CDG Airport.

Who Can Refund Taxes at Charles de Gaulle Airport?

If you are from outside Europe and you buy things in France, you are not supposed to pay the VAT (value-added tax). And when you pick up your duty-free things to take home with you, you will receive the VAT that you paid.

  • The UK is not an EU country. Consequently, if you reside in the United Kingdom, you can reclaim your VAT at CDG Airport.
  • If your next destination is the UK, you can also reclaim your tax at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

What Are the Conditions of the Refund Tax at CDG Airport?

  • You are living outside of the EU
  • You are older than 16 years old
  • Spend more than €100, including tax

How Can You Claim Tax (VAT) at Charles de Gaulle Airport?

  • You are living outside of the EU
  • You are older than 16 years old
  • Spend more than €100, including tax

How Can You Claim Tax?

  • Provide an invoice receipt: At the time of purchasing something, request the seller to provide you the special certificate named as "bordereau de vente," or BVE. That helps you get your tax refund. For example, It might have a barcode or say 'backup procedure' on it.
  • Confirming Your Receipt: When you leave and within three months after you bought something, go to customs and get your slip stamped before checking in your luggage.
    If you bought tax-free stuff in another EU country or your slip says 'backup procedure', show it to the customs officers.
  • Get your tax refund: Show your passport and your bordereau that customs has checked. You can get your refund in cash right away in euros, or ask for a refund to your credit card (which takes 4 to 6 weeks).

Where Can I Claim TAX at CDG Airport

You have two options for a refund of your tax at CDG Airport using the Pablo machine or going to the Cash Paris offices. Below, we explain where you can find them in each terminal. 

Location of Customs Offices (Tax Refund) and PABLO machine at Charle De Gaulle Airport

PABLO is like a free online tool for shops. It helps them make special receipts for customers from other countries so they can get their tax money back. You can see in each terminal where Pablo Machine will refund the tax. 

  • Terminal 1: level CDGVAL, hall 6
    If you bought tax-free stuff in another EU country or your slip says 'backup procedure', show it to the customs officers.
  • Terminal 2A: level departures, gate 5
  • Terminal 2C: level departures, gate 12
  • Terminal 2D: level departures, gate 6 
  • Terminal 2E: level departures, gate 4 
  • Terminal 2F: level arrivals
  • Terminal 3: level arrivals

Cash Paris Office Locations at CDG Airport

The Cash Paris offices are the spots where you can collect your tax refund. You can get your money right away in cash, or euros, or have it sent to your electronic wallet (e-wallet). If you prefer, you can also have the refund put on your bank card later. This applies to any receipt from France or abroad that's been approved by customs before you go through security.

  • Terminal 1: level CDGVAL hall 6
  • Terminal 2E: Departures level, door 1

Cash Refund Machines at Paris-CDG airport

  • Terminal 1: At elevator level, in the direction of the lounge area
  • Terminal 2E Hall K: 2 cash refund machines in the Duty-Free shop
  • Terminal 2E Hall L: 2 cash refund machines in the click and collect area
  • Terminal 2E Hall M: 1 cash refund machine in the Duty-Free shop