Dubai perfumes and customs fees | Complete guide 2025

Do you love perfumes from Dubai, but dread the customs, VAT and clearance fees charged by carriers such as DHL, UPS or FedEx? Here's a simple guide, based on official texts, to help you buy smart and avoid unpleasant surprises.

A quick reminder of the rules in Europe

Import VAT Due from the first euro for purchases from non-EU countries. Rate applied = rate of the country of delivery (20% in France, except in special cases).
Customs duties In principle, no duty if the value is less than €150... but be careful, Perfumes and toilet waters are excluded from this allowance.. Duties may therefore apply even under €150.
Customs declaration This is mandatory for all imports. Postal or express operators can do it for you and charge a processing fee.

Why buying from Parfumerie de Dubaï simplifies everything

✔️ Shipping from France for orders delivered in mainland France: no customs charges on arrival, VAT already handled by seller.
✔️ No surprises on delivery no additional customs clearance invoice to be paid to the deliverer.
✔️ Optimized lead times fast delivery, clear tracking and French-speaking customer service.
✔️ Transparency price displayed = price paid (excluding any shipping costs).

And if you import directly from outside the EU with DHL, UPS or FedEx

When the sender is outside the EU and the shipment arrives in France or the EU, the express carriers :

collect import VAT and, where applicable, customs duties on perfumes,
add customs clearance costs (handling fees, cash advance, etc.), which vary according to the carrier,
may offer online payment of duties and taxes before delivery to speed up parcel delivery.

Incoterms tip: some sellers ship in DDP/DTP (duties and taxes paid by the seller), others in DAP (duties and taxes payable by consignee). Always check the Incoterm indicated at the time of purchase.

IOSS in 2 lines

For low-value distance sales (≤ €150) shipped from a third country, merchants may use the IOSS one-stop shop VAT is invoiced at checkout, and parcels clear customs more quickly. Please note: the IOSS mechanism does not eliminate customs duties for excluded categories (perfumes), or controls.

Parfums de Dubaï: between tradition, creation and proximity

Oriental fragrances are becoming increasingly popular in France, as they combine authenticity and modernity. Some enthusiasts even go so far as to create their own perfume from DubaiOur experience illustrates the richness of our raw materials and craftsmanship. And if you're looking for a local presence, you'll also find our services and fast deliveries. in Lyon and throughout the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regionWe ship directly from France, with no customs charges.

FAQ - Customs, VAT, carriers

Do I have to pay duty for a perfume bought outside the EU and delivered in France?

Yes, it's possible: perfumes do not qualify for the €150 allowance. VAT is due from €1 upwards, and customs duties may apply.

If I order via Parfumerie de Dubaï, will I have to pay customs duties?

No for deliveries from France to mainland France: VAT is handled by the seller and no duty is payable on receipt.

What do DHL, UPS or FedEx do during customs clearance?

They often advance duties and VAT, charge customs clearance fees, then deliver the parcel once the consignee has paid the amounts due.

Does IOSS exempt me from paying VAT?

No. IOSS mainly allows VAT to be paid at checkout for shipments ≤ €150, which speeds up customs clearance. VAT remains due and perfumes may be subject to duty.

Conclusion

To avoid extra costs, buy one of the following shipped from France via Parfumerie de Dubaï. If you're importing directly from outside the EU via DHL, UPS or FedEx, please allow for VAT, any duties on perfumes and the carrier's customs clearance costs.