Eligibility for VAT refunds

If your VAT form was not stamped by Customs or scanned using a PABLO terminal, you may request – under certain conditions – a retroactive certification of the form from the customs office with territorial jurisdiction.
This procedure should only be initiated if one of the following reasons prevented you from fulfilling the procedure upon departure:

1. PABLO terminal out of service;
2. Temporary interruption of service;
3. Customs office closed.
   Important : Simply forgetting or not having planned enough time to fulfill the procedure upon departure will forfeit your rights to request a VAT refund. Therefore, the French consulate will not be able to assist you.

You must gather all required documents for a retroactive VAT refund request and submit it, by mail, to the Regional Customs Directorate whose jurisdiction includes your point of departure from the European Union.
Your application must include:

1. A letter stating the reasons that prevented you from completing the customs export formalities, your date of departure and the address of the Regional Customs Directorate whose jurisdiction includes your point of departure from the European Union ;
2. A proof of residence outside the EU (residence permit, US driving license, water/electricity bill, lease agreement);
3. The original of the VAT form for a total purchase;
4. A copy of your travel ticket;
5. Proof of export of the goods.
   This proof consists of either :

• A receipt issued by the customs authorities in your country stating that all applicable duties and taxes have been paid;
  OR
• stamped box C2 of the VAT refund form;
• A “certificat de présentation des marchandises” issued by the French consulate

• We invite you to write to info.chicago-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr and request for an appointment.
• Important: Only the person whose name appears on the VAT form must apply for an appointment and consequently for the VAT refund.

1. Original of valid ID (passport, ID card, US driving license);
2. Proof of address;
3. VAT form(s);
4. Each purchased good mentioned on the VAT form(s);
5. Debit card for the payment of the 27€ fee in dollar;
6. If your total purchases are valued for more than $800 US, you also need to bring a copy of the receipt of your US customs declaration. For more information, click here.

Following your appointment and once documents are gathered, you must submit your request to the French Customs, by mail. Your application will be reviewed by the Customs who will rule on your eligibility.