CDG Airport Tax Refund : How to get your VAT refund?

CDG tax refund: how to claim VAT at Charles de Gaulle Airport?

You’ve spent days (or weeks) shopping in France, luxury handbags, perfume, souvenirs, all with VAT included. But now you're heading home and don’t want to miss out on claiming your rightful refund.

The airport can feel like a maze: regulations, tax refund operators, confusing kiosks, Customs officers... One misstep and your refund vanishes.

This guide breaks down the CDG tax refund process step by step: who qualifies, how Zapptax streamlines it, where to find PABLO kiosks, how to scan your bordereau, and how you get reimbursed. We have added traveler tips and links to other resources, letting you navigate with confidence.

Let’s dive in and make sure nothing stands between you and getting back your VAT.

Try the Zapptax app to get a VAT refund on all your purchases in France, quickly, easily, and hassle-free.

CDG tax refund: the process in 60 seconds

To get your tax refund at Paris-CDG Airport, go to the PABLO kiosk in your departure terminal before checking in luggage that contains your purchases. Bring your passport (proof of residence if required), boarding pass, tax-free form and all eligible goods. Scan the form’s barcode. A green confirmation validates it electronically; if the screen asks you to see Customs, follow the instructions and present your purchases.

Key points:

• Only non-EU residents spending over €100 on personal goods can claim VAT.
• Use Zapptax to collect invoices and generate your tax-free form.
• Validate your tax-free form at PABLO kiosks before check‑in/security at CDG.
• If something goes wrong, get help at the Customs desk.
• Refund is processed automatically after the validation.

How to get a VAT refund at CDG Airport?

1. During your stay: centralize your invoices in the Zapptax app

You are free to shop wherever you want, even online, and have items delivered within France. All you need to do is request an invoice issued in the name of Zapptax (you’ll find the details in the app).

Note that stores are legally required to provide an invoice upon request.

For online purchases, simply enter Zapptax’s name and address during checkout. It’s that easy.

For every purchase, remember to upload your invoice into the app. Zapptax will combine all your invoices during your stay to help you reach the minimum required amount of €100,01 (VAT incl.).

2. Before heading to CDG : get your tax free form

Once you have uploaded all your invoices in the app, you can generate your tax free form (“bordereau de détaxe”).

This form includes a barcode and must be filled out correctly with your personal information. You will need to present it to French Customs at the airport for validation.

3. When you arrive at Charles de Gaulle : locate a PABLO kiosk

Before leaving the European Union, you must validate your tax refund form at your final point of departure from the EU.

At most exit points in France, including major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly, large train stations, ports, or road borders, you will find PABLO kiosks where you can scan the barcode of your form.

If you connect through another EU airport, the validation point depends on the length of your connection and whether you can access the goods. With a short connection or checked purchases that remain inaccessible during the layover, validation may need to be completed at CDG. Otherwise, it is generally completed at the final EU exit airport.

Important : You must complete this step before checking in your luggage and going through security. Make sure your items are accessible, as Customs officers may ask to see them. It is best to anticipate this step to avoid last-minute stress at the airport.

If you are flying out of Orly Airport, check out our dedicated guide to easily claim your VAT refund there.

4. Scan the barcode to validate your forms

Scan the barcode on each tax-free form (if you have several) using the PABLO kiosk scanner. If everything is correct, the screen will show a validation message. This step acts as your electronic customs stamp.

In some cases, a Customs officer may still request to inspect your purchases after the validation.

5. If there is a problem : go to the Customs desk

If the PABLO kiosk displays an error or doesn’t validate your form, a Customs officer can validate it electronically, either with a device or by manually entering your form number into the system.

In rare cases, the officer may use a physical stamp instead.

6. How does the refund work?

After a successful electronic validation, Zapptax is notified automatically and begins processing your refund.

If Customs applies a physical stamp, take a clear photograph of the stamped form and upload it to the Zapptax app. Refund times vary and may range from several weeks to a few months, depending on when the corresponding VAT credit is released by the tax authorities.

Where to validate your VAT refund at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport?

While Zapptax makes the entire VAT refund process easier, the Customs validation step at the airport remains essential to trigger your reimbursement.

At Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are several PABLO kiosks (not to be confused with the Cash Paris refund counters) that allow you to electronically validate your tax-free forms.

Here is the location of the PABLO kiosks and Customs offices by terminal:

Departure terminal	PABLO kiosk and Customs office location	Opening hours
Terminal 1	Departures level, on the same floor as the CDGVAL arrival area. At the far end of the hall, opposite the PAUL restaurant.	5:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 2A	The tax-refund office is closed. Go to Terminal 2C, approximately a three-minute walk away.	Use the Terminal 2C point
Terminal 2B	Arrivals level 0. From Departures level 1, take the escalator near the Carl’s Jr restaurant. The PABLO kiosks and Customs office are located near the escalator.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 2C	Departures level 1, between baggage check-in zones 12 and 14, next to the Oversized Baggage service.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 2D	Arrivals level 0, in the shared Terminal 2B–2D tax-refund area. From Departures level 1, take the escalator near the Carl’s Jr restaurant.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 2E	Departures level 2, between baggage check-in zones 3 and 4.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 2F	Arrivals level 0. Follow the “Détaxe – Tax Refund” signs towards Exit 10a. The PABLO kiosks and Customs office are opposite Carrefour City.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Terminal 3	Arrivals level 0. Head left towards the Brioche Dorée bakery; the PABLO kiosks and Customs office are located nearby.	6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Last checked: June 2026. Opening hours may change.

At Terminals 2C and 2E, the numbers refer to baggage check-in zones, not boarding gates. Once you reach the relevant level, follow the signs marked “Détaxe”, “Tax Refund” or “Douane / Customs”.

If the PABLO kiosk displays a green confirmation message, your form has been electronically validated and no additional Customs stamp is required.

If the screen instructs you to see a Customs officer, take your passport, boarding pass, tax-free form and purchases to the nearby desk.

Travelers departing close to the listed closing time should arrive early enough to allow for a possible manual Customs inspection.

Who is eligible for a VAT refund ?

• You must reside outside the EU, temporarily in France (less than 6 months), and be 16 or older.

• Eligible purchases are for personal, non-commercial use, totaling over €100 TTC (all taxes included), during your entire stay.

• Goods like alcohol, perfume, beauty products, luggage, clothing and designer items all qualify (unless restricted by Customs).

An EU passport does not necessarily disqualify you. An EU citizen who lives outside the European Union may still qualify, provided that they can show valid official proof of non-EU residence.

Your purchases must be physical goods that you take home with you. Services such as hotel stays, restaurant meals, taxis and other purchases consumed during the trip are not eligible for a tourist VAT refund.

Certain goods are also excluded or subject to special rules. These include manufactured tobacco, petroleum products, weapons, certain cultural goods and private means of transport.

For a broader explanation of the national rules, read our guide to VAT refunds in France

How does Zapptax simplify the VAT refund process ?

Zapptax is a free mobile app that fully simplifies and digitizes the VAT refund procedure. Unlike traditional systems limited to select stores, Zapptax gives you total freedom : shop wherever you like (just ask for an invoice in the name of Zapptax) and reclaim your VAT effortlessly.

Zapptax is available in France and Belgium.

• Reach the €100,01 minimum by combining invoices from multiple stores throughout your stay : there’s no need to spend €100 in one day.

• Works in all stores, even online : from major chains to small independent shops, as long as the merchant issues an invoice.

• Higher refund rates : get back up to 90% of your VAT, a much better rate than most traditional operators.

• Huge time-saver : no waiting in stores, the entire process is digitized, saving you precious time.

• Reliable and trusted : over 200,000 travelers already use Zapptax for fast, secure, and hassle-free tax-free shopping.

• No passport required in stores : your identity is securely and officially verified once a year via the app, and your data stays protected.

• 24/7 multilingual support : expert help is always within reach, anytime you need it.

Our top tips for a smooth VAT refund

• Plan to arrive early at the CDG airport to have enough time to validate everything.

• Prepare all your documents in the Zapptax app ahead of time.

• Keep your new items easily accessible in your luggage, in case a Customs officer asks to see them.

• Make sure PABLO kiosks are working, and don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance if needed.

• If your last point of departure from the EU is not France (e.g. Madrid or Brussels), you’ll need to get your form manually validated by a Customs officer in that country, since PABLO kiosks only exist in France.
  In this case, you must print your form to have it stamped physically. After validation, don’t forget to upload the stamped version into the app.

Conclusion

Traveling is already busy enough, no one wants to add complex paperwork and long queues to their itinerary. With Zapptax, you turn an administrative chore into a fast and efficient formality.

Everything is done from your smartphone, in just a few steps. One quick validation at a PABLO kiosk at the airport is all it takes to trigger your refund.

Less waiting, a smoother process, and a faster refund. Whether you’re flying home with a designer handbag, perfume, or a few uniquely French souvenirs, don’t let your VAT refund slip away.

FAQ

1. How do I get a VAT refund at CDG airport?

To get your VAT refund at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you need to scan your tax-free form (“bordereau de détaxe” in French) at a PABLO kiosk before checking in your luggage and going through security.

If the kiosk fails, go to a Customs desk for manual validation. Once validated, your refund is automatically processed.

2. Where do I claim my tax refund at CDG Airport?

At Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, validate your French tax-free form at a PABLO kiosk in the Customs validation area of your departure terminal. Complete this step before checking in any luggage containing your purchases and before going through security.

PABLO kiosks validate the export of your goods and should not be confused with Cash Paris refund counters. If the screen asks you to visit Customs, take your passport, boarding pass, form and purchases to the nearby desk.

3. How early should I arrive at CDG for a VAT refund?

Build additional time into the arrival period recommended by your airline.

The necessary margin depends on the terminal, passenger volume, number of forms and whether Customs decides to inspect your goods. Busy periods and checked-luggage purchases justify arriving particularly early.

4. Can tourists get a tax refund in Paris?

Yes, tourists who are non-EU residents, over 16 years old, and staying less than 6 months can get a VAT refund on purchases in Paris. The total value of goods must exceed €100 including tax, and the items must be for personal, non-commercial use. Don’t forget to request invoices in the name of Zapptax to make the refund process easier.

5. How much tax refund can I expect?

The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, but after processing fees, the actual amount refunded is typically around 12–15% of the purchase price. With Zapptax, you can get up to 90% of your VAT back, which is more than traditional in-store refund services.