Flying back to EU with electronic devices without being able to prove I already paid VAT and import taxes
I'm a French resident.
In 2019 I bought online a $200 laptop coming from Hong-Kong. It was sold by the merchant without VAT and sent by DHL. I remember very well I had to pay around 55 euros in VAT + custom taxes on the DHL website in order to get my shipment delivered to me.
It seems I made the mistake to delete all my emails concerning this device. I have absolutely no proof anymore that I paid the VAT and other taxes. I don't even have the invoice from the merchant anymore.
Now the thing is, I'd like to travel outside EU with this device. So the question is: When reentering EU (France) do I risk paying VAT and import taxes a second time if I'm not able to prove that I already paid them?
I want to travel with 2 laptops in total and several other electronic devices but I'm worried they ask me to pay for things I already paid for…
Best Answer
According to this brochure (pdf) from the French Customs ministry, you can:
To spare you the trouble of carrying all these documents [receipts, warranty cards, etc.], and to facilitate customs clearance of your personal belongings, you may obtain a single document called the free circulation card*. The free circulation card is free of charge, valid 10 years from date of issue and renewable. You can obtain one at any customs office by presenting your belongings together with supporting documents (invoices, customs receipts, warranty certificates, etc.). As and when you purchase new items, you may have additional entries listed on your card by applying to the same office that issued the original card.
This may not help with the laptop if the customs office doesn't accept it, but might exempt other devices so that you're under the tax-free limit.
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