Question 1

Do I need to register for VAT when exhibiting at a trade show in France?

Accepted Answer

Generally no — if you are only exhibiting (not selling goods at the booth), you do not need to register for French VAT. However, you may need to register if: (1) you make sales at the exhibition, (2) you store inventory in France before or after the show, or (3) your B2C sales to France exceed the EU-wide €10,000 OSS threshold. Temporary admission of display goods under customs procedure 53 (temporary import) avoids import VAT.

Question 2

Do I need to register for VAT when exhibiting at a trade show in France? — Exhibition only — temporary admission (CPA 53)

Accepted Answer

Enter France with display goods under customs procedure 53 (temporary admission). Keep goods under customs supervision during the exhibition. Re-export goods after the show within the allowed period (usually 6-24 months). Cost: €0 (customs bond may apply). Timeline: Same day at border.

Question 3

Do I need to register for VAT when exhibiting at a trade show in France? — Sales at the exhibition — French VAT registration required

Accepted Answer

Register for French VAT if making taxable supplies in France. Charge French VAT (standard rate 20%) on all sales at the booth. File quarterly French VAT returns and pay net VAT due. Cost: €0–€2,000+ (accountant fees for registration + quarterly filing). Timeline: 2–4 weeks for VAT number.

Question 4

Do I need to register for VAT when exhibiting at a trade show in France? — Inventory stored in France before/after show

Accepted Answer

Storing goods in France creates a 'fixed establishment' for VAT purposes. Register for French VAT or use OSS for B2C distance sales from that stock. French VAT applies to all French B2C sales from stored inventory. Cost: €500–€2,000+ (VAT registration + compliance). Timeline: 2–4 weeks.

Do I need to register for VAT when exhibiting at a trade show in France?

Item by Item

Related Tools

Related Questions