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According to French customs regulations, visitors who visit France from non-EU countries can take the following items tax-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 250 millimeters of cosmetics, 50 grams of perfume, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of tea as well as items and medicines for personal use.

Cash valued at over EUR 10,000, items for personal use which exceed the tax-free limit and items for commercial purposes must be declared. Controlled medicines, plants and animals, meat products and other restricted items must be declared and go through strict entry formalities. For the regulations on pets taken into France, please check with the Commercial Department of the Embassy of France in China.

The following items fall into the category of contraband: drugs, narcotics, counterfeits and pirated goods, arms, ammunition, explosives, ivory products, pornographic materials, etc.

Tax refund upon exit:

Non-EU citizens who visit France for leisure or business purposes can apply for refund on the part of the value-added tax already paid when shopping in the country. According to the French government regulations, visitors can only apply for tax refund within 3 months after leaving France on goods (not foods) purchased on the same day and in the same shop and valued at above EUR 175. When shopping, you should ask the shop to issue a tax refund form for you, and you are expected to produce your passport and fill in your personal information as required. You should give the tax refund form to the airport customs and get your items purchased ready for inspection.

* The above information is for reference only. For more, contact the embassy.

* For more information on visa, head to the Star Alliance website.