Rules for bringing wine home from France

Sandrine Collet, from Zapptax, explains the rules on shopping for alcohol in France and how to ensure you don’t fall foul of Customs

France is a dream destination for wine lovers and you’ll probably want to bring home a few bottles of that smooth Bordeaux, crisp Chablis, or elegant champagne. But how much are you legally allowed to carry back in your luggage? The answer depends on where you’re heading (always check each government’s website for latest information).

TRAVELLING WITHIN THE EU

If you’re moving between EU countries, there are no strict customs limits for alcohol bought for personal use. However, there are guideline quantities to help Customs determine whether the alcohol is for personal or commercial use:

• 90 litres of still wine
• 110 litres of beer
• 20 litres of drinks up to 22% ABV (such as port)
• 10 litres of stronger spirits

These amounts are cumulative, meaning you could combine them for instance, 90 litres of wine plus 20 litres of fortified wine and 10 litres of whisky. The allowances apply per person, regardless of how you travel, and it’s vital to keep receipts in case Customs ask or if you want to claim back VAT.

TRAVELLING OUTSIDE THE EU TO THE UK

Travellers to Great Britain can bring in the following (for personal use or gifting only) without paying duty:

• 42 litres of beer
• 18 litres of still wine (around 24 bottles)
• 9 litres of sparkling or fortified wine, or other drinks under 22% ABV
• 4 litres of spirits or liqueurs over 22% ABV

Of course, you can split this allowance. For example, you could bring 2 litres of spirits and 4.5 litres of fortified wine (each half of your allowance within those categories).

To the USA

Visitors aged 21 or over may bring in 1 litre of alcohol duty-free. Larger quantities are allowed, but you’ll pay duties and excise taxes roughly 21-31 cents per bottle of wine, 67 cents for champagne, and just over $2 for spirits. Regulations differ by state, so check before you travel.

To Canada

Canadian residents can return with:

• 1.5 litres of wine (two bottles)
• 1.14 litres of spirits
• 8.5 litres of beer

The allowances are subject to minimum drinking age laws, which vary: 18 in Quebec. Alberta and Manitoba, 19 elsewhere. If you exceed these limits, you will have to pay duties, taxes, and possibly provincial levies.

HOW TO SAVE WITH ΖΑΡΡΤΑΧ

If you live outside the EU, there’s another way to make your French wine shopping even sweeter: claim back VAT with Zapptax. Simply ask for invoices made out to ‘Zapptax’, upload them to the app, and once you’ve spent €100 (VAT included; invoices can be combined across several stores), it generates a digital tax-free form. Validate it at your exit point (airport, train station, ferry terminal) and you will receive up to 90% of your VAT refund straight to your card, account or PayPal. Bringing home French wine is one of the great joys of travel. By knowing your allowances – and using clever tools like Zapptax – you can enjoy your favourite bottles back home without the sting of unexpected duties. Santé!

Shopping while in France? Get a tax refund on your way home

If you live outside the EU, these purchases can be tax-free. With Zapptax, claiming your refund is simple. Ask for an invoice in the name of Zapptax, upload it in the app, and validate your tax-free form at customs before leaving the EU. The money will then be sent to your bank account!

Lead photo credit : Shutterstock