Is Chanel Tax-Free at Heathrow Airport? Since January 2021, the tax-free program has ended in the UK. This means that there is no VAT refund for shopping Chanel at Heathrow Airport. This new rule also applies to other shops like Dior and Hermes. Even Louis Vuitton is no longer tax-free at Heathrow.

The tax-free program ended when Brexit came into effect.

The little Chanel boutique at Heathrow Airport was the best shopping experience ever for Chanel. The service is also amazing because there is a Shopping Assistant who helps and guides you through the purchases. When you find your favorite Chanel Bag or Small Leather Goods, there is no need to apply for a Tax Refund, because the shop will help you reduce the VAT instantly. This saves you a lot of money because you don’t need to pay a commission to the company that helps you process the VAT refund.

How much could you save at Heathrow in the past?

Shopping Chanel at Heathrow Airport could save you as much as 16%, whereas it’s only a 12% VAT refund in other places in Europe. The 4% can make a huge difference because designer bags are expensive.

And you can take your bag and fly away to your country immediately. How convenient was shopping at Heathrow?

Many shoppers love this place, but the dream has finally ended.

How much does Chanel cost now in Heathrow Airport?

Because Heathrow is no longer tax free, you will pay the full price for your Chanel Bags. The full price includes the VAT. Therefore it’s no longer attractive to shop in Heathrow.

Shopping in Heathrow airport compared to Paris and other Europe countries

It’s cheaper to buy in other Europe countries than in the UK or Heathrow.

So how much does a Chanel Bag cost in Heathrow compared to other European countries right now? Here’s a calculation:

The Chanel Medium Classic Bag in the UK is priced at £8530 GBP. Based on the currency conversion of August 2023, £8530 GBP is equal to €9878 euros.

The Chanel Medium Classic Bag in Paris is priced at €8536 euros (VAT excluded). So you save €1164 euros if you buy in Paris or other European countries.

Who wants to shop in the UK today? No thank you, the UK is next to Europe, and you can save so much thanks to the VAT refund. With €1164 euros, you can buy extra Chanel earrings or a small wallet. Yes, it’s no longer attractive to buy Chanel in the UK.

What if the UK is your last stop in Europe?

If the UK is your last stop in Europe before flying back to your country, then it’s advisable to apply for tax-refund before coming to the UK. You can apply for tax-refund in any Europe countries.

Here’s a note from Global blue tax-refund company:
“Since 1 Jan 2021 you must obtain Customs validation for goods purchased in the UK at your point of departure from the UK, even if you’re going to another European destination. EU Customs can no longer validate your UK purchases.”

Chanel Tax-free shipping to overseas addresses

In the UK, you can only shop tax-free if the products are shipped to overseas addresses. This regulation also applies at Heathrow and all other airports. However, not all boutiques offer international shipping, so you need to ask the Shopping Assistance. And it’s not only Chanel but also other brands like Celine, Dior, Hermes, Gucci, Goyard, and Louis Vuitton.

Is it cheaper to buy designer bags in Heathrow?

It’s no longer attractive to shop in Heathrow for any designer bags, and the same applies to other places in the UK where tax refunds are no longer available.

The new regulation has significantly diminished the appeal of shopping in the UK. With a VAT rate of 20% and the inability to receive a tax refund while neighboring countries can, it seems illogical. Why would anyone choose to buy a Chanel Bag in the UK? Moreover, why would you opt to shop in Heathrow when you can’t benefit from a VAT refund?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.