All goods sold in Europe are subject to EU VAT, which is 7 or 19 percent in Germany. But here's some good news for you: if you live outside the European Union (EU), you can claim back the VAT when you leave the EU. This makes your purchases in Germany even more attractive and affordable for you..
Please note:
VAT refunds are only possible for purchases exceeding 50€!
Collect and complete the tax free form
When you shop in our stores, you will receive your Tax Free form directly on site. Simply enter the required data in Latin letters and keep the form in a safe place - you will need it later.
By the way: the prices in our duty-free stores are already calculated for you without VAT.
Do you have any questions about VAT-free shopping? Our staff in the stores at Frankfurt Airport will be happy to help and advise you at any time.
Traveling with tax-free purchases in checked baggage
At check-in, simply inform our staff that you are carrying tax-free goods and are planning a VAT refund. Your baggage will be provided with a special label and returned to you for presentation to customs.
Well prepared with tax-free goods in your hand luggage
To ensure that your hand baggage with tax-free goods passes through security smoothly, please keep all important documents, such as the tax-free form and customs documents, to hand at all times.
If you are traveling with tax-free goods in your hand baggage and are departing from Terminal 1, Hall C, you can obtain your export certificate at the following customs offices:
- for goods with a total gross value of up to €5,000, at the customs office in Departure Hall C
- for goods with a total gross value of over €5,000, at the customs office in Transit Area B.
Relaxed through customs
Take a moment to have your new purchases stamped by customs before departure. To do so, please go to the customs office located near your departure gate. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, it is important that your goods are new and can be presented on request. Also have your passport and receipts ready.
Simple refund of value added tax
Please present your stamped and fully completed Tax Free forms at our refund counters. The VAT amount will then be refunded to you, minus a small processing fee.
Further information is available at zoll.de or by calling +49 351 44834 510.
Important note:
The customs export counters in Terminal 2 are closed. For your VAT refund, please visit the customs import counter in Baggage Claim Area D.
If you are departing from Terminal 1, Departure Hall C, and wish to export goods in your carry-on luggage, you can obtain your export certificate at the following customs counters:
- for goods with a total gross value of up to €5,000, at the customs export office in Departure Hall C.
- for goods with a total gross value of over €5,000, at the customs export office in Transit Area B.
- If you do not have a visa for Germany, you can declare your goods at any time at the customs export office in Transit Area B.
We recommend allowing sufficient time before your departure, as processing times may vary depending on passenger volume.
