Originally Posted by
ente_09
These were products bought in Paris. I needed to turn in the VAT forms at the duty free conter as I leave the country to prove I am taking the items with me, in order to get my 17% back . But like I said, it was subsequently possible for me to hand off these purchases to anyone in the departure area, even if they did not have a ticket. If you claim that this office is always on the departure side, what's to prevent anyone from handing the purchase back to a French "friend" and split the savings. (17% percent of a Rolex watch is alot of money)
Ok, so France uses the system where the shop must sign a export sales slip. Many countries don't have that system anymore because all relevant information is on the normal receipt. I know Sweden had the same system many years ago.
And these export sales slips must be approved before you go to the departure area. There you show the goods and retrieve your money.
Technically you could then give your goods to another passenger travelling from the terminal, nothing illegal with that. You can't give it to arriving passengers as they are separated from departing pax. Only passengers travelling with valid boarding passes are allowed access to the departure area.
Duty-free shopping – how it works
VAT refund is applicable for persons over 15 years of age resident outside the European Union. It only concerns non-commercial tourist purchases for amounts in excess of €175 in the same shop on the same day. You must tell the seller that you wish to make a duty-free purchase and will receive with your purchase an export sales slip. All your export sales slips must be approved by the airport customs office before you check in.
If the shop has contract with American Express, go to their counter, where you will receive your refund directly. If not, send your export sales slips to the shop and you will receive your money back.
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e...ase-custom.htm