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I sell new jewelry in a shop: am I subject to the HBJOAT tax?

Short answer

Yes. The retail sale in France of new jewelry included in the list of taxable products is subject to the HBJOAT tax.

This rule applies even if the sale of new jewelry is only a secondary activity of your business.

Why are you concerned?

Article L. 471-27 of the Code of Taxation on Goods and Services provides that the retail sale in France of products in the watchmaking, jewelry, goldsmithing and tableware sectors constitutes a taxable event.

This rule applies to any business engaged in retail sales, whether it is an independent jewelry store, a multi-brand store or a brand boutique.

What is the basis for the calculation?

The tax is calculated on the pre-tax turnover corresponding to the sales of taxable products.

The applicable rate is 0,19 %.

Concrete example

If you generate an annual turnover of €200,000 excluding VAT from the retail sale of new taxable jewelry:

€200,000 × 0.19 % = €380 HBJOAT tax

Are all new jewels taxable?

Retail sales of new jewelry that falls under the official list of taxable products are subject to tax.

However, certain categories are excluded, particularly retail sales of costume jewelry. It is therefore advisable to check the exact classification of each product in the list published by Francéclat.

And what about second-hand jewelry?

Sales of second-hand jewelry and watches are not subject to the HBJOAT tax.

Article L. 471-27 expressly excludes second-hand goods. The Directorate General of Customs also confirms that the tax has not been levied on second-hand products since January 1, 2009.

If you sell both new and used products, you must therefore distinguish between these sales in your accounting:

  • Sales of taxable new jewelry must be declared; ;
  • Sales of second-hand goods should be excluded from the tax base.

How to declare?

The declaration and payment are made online at teletaxe.fr.

The declaration can be monthly, quarterly or annual, depending on the amount of tax due.

When the annual tax amount is less than or equal to €20, the company is exempt from payment, but remains required to make its declaration.

Official sources

  • Article L. 471-27 of the Code of Taxes on Goods and Services
  • Francéclat and teletax.fr
  • Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes
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