Manufacturing: Belgium vs France VAT Rules
How VAT obligations differ for manufacturing between Belgium and France.
| Criterion | Belgium | France |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate applied | 21% | 20% |
| Registration threshold | €25,000 annual turnover | €85,800 (goods) / €34,400 (services) |
| Filing frequency | Monthly or quarterly | Monthly or quarterly |
| Invoicing constraints | Bilingual invoices may be required. Must include all standard EU fields. Credit notes must reference original invoice. | Invoices must include a sequential number, date, seller/buyer details, VAT number, description, and amounts. E-invoicing mandatory for B2B from 2026. |
| Sector-relevant regimes | VAT unit (grouping) for related entities · Cocontractor system for construction · Special regime for occasional international transport | Auto-entrepreneur regime with simplified VAT · Special rules for DOM-TOM territories · E-invoicing mandate rolling out 2026-2027 |
| Penalty exposure | Proportional fines from 10% to 200% of VAT due. Administrative penalties for procedural breaches. | 10% surcharge for late filing, 40% for deliberate non-compliance, 80% for fraud. |
Typical use cases
B2B Supply
Selling components and raw materials to other businesses.
Export Goods
Manufacturing goods for export within and outside the EU.
Contract Manufacturing
Custom manufacturing under contract agreements.
Disclaimer : This tool is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax advisor for decisions regarding your tax situation.Source : EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC
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