How to claim a Sephora VAT refund on online purchases
Shopping for perfume, skincare or makeup in France ? If you live outside the European Union, you may be able to claim a Sephora VAT refund before travelling home.
The simplest option is to buy online and prepare everything before ordering on Sephora.fr. With Zapptax, you can use the right billing details, upload your invoice and create your tax-free form from your phone.
Read more about using Zapptax for online purchases.
Getting a Sephora VAT refund
- Create your Zapptax account before ordering.
- Shop on Sephora.fr and choose delivery or Click & Collect in France.
- Use the Zapptax details shown in the app for billing.
- Download your final Sephora invoice and upload it in the app.
- Generate your tax-free form and validate it when leaving the EU.
Can you claim a Sephora VAT refund in France?
You may qualify if you usually live outside the EU, are at least 16 years old and are visiting for less than six months.
The products must be for personal use and leave the EU in your luggage. Keep them unused and easy to reach, as customs officers may ask to see them.
How to order online from Sephora with Zapptax
1. Set up Zapptax first
Start by downloading the Zapptax app and creating your traveller profile. The app will show the billing name and address required for purchases in France.
2. Add the correct billing details
When placing your Sephora order, enter the Zapptax details shown in the app as the billing information.
You can choose delivery to your hotel or temporary address in France. Click & Collect is another practical option when you prefer to pick up the order yourself.
3. Download the final invoice
An order confirmation or payment email is not enough. Zapptax needs the final VAT invoice issued for the completed order.
You can find your invoice in your Beauty Account under “My purchases”. Check that it includes the seller, date, invoice number, products, total price, VAT and the correct billing information.
4. Upload your invoice to Zapptax
Open your trip in the app and upload the full digital invoice. Make sure every page is clear and nothing has been cut off.
Zapptax will review it and add the eligible amount to your trip. You can combine the order with other eligible purchases made in France.
This helps when your Sephora order alone does not reach the French minimum of €100.01 including VAT.
How much can you get back?
Most perfumes, makeup and skincare products sold in France include 20% VAT. However, you do not receive 20% of the displayed price because VAT is already included.
A €120 order contains €20 of VAT. Your final Sephora VAT refund depends on your total eligible spending. Zapptax can refund up to 90% of the VAT paid. Use the VAT refund calculator to estimate your savings.
Validate your form before leaving the EU
Once your accepted purchases pass the threshold, enter your departure details and generate your tax-free form in Zapptax.
Validate it at your final exit point from the EU. If you leave directly from France, scan the barcode at a PABLO kiosk before checking in luggage containing your purchases.
A green message means the form is validated. If the screen turns red, visit the Customs desk with your passport, travel ticket, form and products.
Make your Sephora shopping more rewarding
A VAT refund at Sephora is easier when you plan ahead. Create your account, order online with the correct billing details, upload the final invoice and validate your form before leaving the EU.
Then enjoy your beauty haul knowing that part of the VAT may be coming back to you.
FAQ
Can tourists get a VAT refund at Sephora in France?
Yes, eligible travellers living outside the EU can claim VAT back on qualifying products taken home, provided the invoice and customs rules are followed.
Can I place my Sephora order before arriving in France?
Yes, you can place your Sephora order before arriving in France, as long as the order is delivered to an address in France. This can be your hotel, a holiday rental or the home of someone you know. Make sure you use the Zapptax billing details shown in the app when you place the order, and leave enough time to receive the parcel and download the final invoice before you leave the country.
What happens if my Sephora order is shipped in several parcels?
If Sephora ships your order in several parcels, you may receive separate invoices for each shipment. Check your Sephora account and upload every final invoice to Zapptax so that all eligible items can be reviewed.
Can I leave the EU from another country after shopping at Sephora France?
Yes, you can leave the EU from another country after buying from Sephora France. Your tax-free form must be validated at your final point of departure from the European Union. For example, if you shop in France but fly home from Spain, you will usually need to complete the customs step in Spain. Keep your passport, travel documents, purchases and tax-free form easy to access.
