What is the price of fragrance in Duty Free?

Products sold in Duty Free benefit from an exemption from local and national taxes, made possible by their positioning in international areas such as airports or certain border points. This exemption applies to taxes added to products at the time of sale, including VAT (Value Added Tax) in Europe, GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Asia, and other forms of consumption tax worldwide.

• Variability of the tax-free rate: although the tax-free rate on Duty Free fragrances generally varies between 15% and 20%, this percentage can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including the type of product, the country of sale, and current trade agreements. This variability is essential to understanding the potential savings when purchasing fragrances on a Duty Free basis.

• Duty-free in France: taking France as an example, duty-free can be as high as 20% on fragrances, representing significant savings for buyers. This French specificity is in line with European tax policies, which aim to encourage cross-border purchases within the EU.
   

Trade agreements between countries and domestic tax policies can have a direct influence on the level of tax-free allowances applicable to Duty Free fragrances. Some agreements may provide for tax reductions to encourage trade, while others may impose specific restrictions or conditions. 

Tax-free shopping offers travelers the opportunity to purchase brand-name fragrances at reduced prices. This saving, combined with the exclusivity of certain products available only in Duty Free, makes the purchase of fragrances in these areas particularly attractive. 

• Purchase limits: Duty Free purchase limits are often defined by the total amount travellers can spend, or by the number of items they can buy. These limits vary considerably from country to country, and are influenced by local tax policies and international agreements. 

• Transport restrictions: regulations on the carriage of liquids in the cabin directly affect Duty Free fragrance purchases. Most airports apply the “liquid in hand luggage” rule, limiting liquids to containers of 100 ml maximum, packed in a transparent plastic bag. However, fragrances purchased in Duty Free are often exempt from this rule, provided they remain sealed in their stamped security packaging until the final destination. 

• Declaration of purchases: when passing through customs, travellers must declare any purchases exceeding the authorized allowances. Allowances vary by destination, and may be based on the amount of the purchase or the quantity of the product. Failure to declare such purchases may result in penalties or additional taxes. 

• Taxes and penalties: failure to comply with purchase limits or to declare purchases may result in additional taxes or penalties. These penalties are designed to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with the tax regulations of each country. 

• Find out before you travel: it's crucial for travelers to find out about the specific regulations relating to Duty Free purchases for their destination and country of origin. Airport and national customs websites are good sources of information.

• Keep receipts: keeping receipts for Duty Free purchases can facilitate the customs declaration process and serve as proof in the event of questions about product origin. 

• Destination- specific variability: rules concerning the amount of fragrance that can be carried vary significantly from country to country. This variability reflects local tax policies, security measures and trade regulations specific to each destination. 

• Expressed purchase limits: restrictions may be formulated in terms of maximum purchase amount or physical quantity. For example, some countries may allow up to a certain number of bottles of fragrance per person, while others will impose a limit based on the total value of products purchased. 

• Before you travel, it's essential to check the customs websites of your destination and departure countries for information on the specific limits applicable to Duty Free products. This preventive step can help avoid unpleasant surprises at customs. 

• Planning purchases: by knowing the limits, travelers can plan their purchases so as to respect the quotas imposed,,maximizing the benefits of Duty Free purchases without risking penalties or confiscation. 

It may be useful to provide a few examples of purchasing limits by country, to illustrate the diversity of regulations. For example:

• United States: travelers entering the U.S. may be subject to a value-based limit, with an exemption for goods purchased abroad. 

• European Union: EU member countries may apply both value and quantity limits for Duty Free products from non-EU destinations. 

If a traveler exceeds the authorized limit, he or she must declare excess purchases and may be required to pay taxes and duties on these products. Transparency in declarations can avoid legal and financial complications. 

Duty Free fragrances come in a wide range of formats, catering to the varied needs of international travelers. Whether you are looking for a light eau de toilette for everyday use, or a more concentrated eau de fragrance for special occasions, Extime's airport Duty Free boutiques offer a comprehensive selection.

Formats range from individual bottles, perfect for personal use or as gifts, to elegantly assembled gift boxes that often include a fragrance accompanied by matching skincare products. 

Prestigious brands such as Gucci, Cartier, Burberry, Guerlain, Paco Rabanne, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, and Versace, to name but a few, can offer limited editions or Duty Free exclusives. These unique products may include special concentrations, exclusive bottle designs, or gift sets that are only available in certain areas, such as Duty Free boutiques in international airports. 

Recognizing the restrictions of air travel, particularly with regard to carrying liquids, Duty Free fragrances are also available in travel-friendly sizes.These compact formats are ideal for carrying in the cabin, respecting the limits imposed by airport regulations, while offering the opportunity to wear or share your favorite fragrance on the move.