Sales tax: It looks good for shopping in France

Tuesday 28th March 2006, 12:00AM BST.

SHOPPING in France could be even more attractive when local sales tax becomes a reality in two years’ time.

Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur has indicated he is likely to set the value of purchases that will attract goods and services tax at ‘quite a high level’ because of the costs associated with collecting it.

And Jersey Chamber of Commerce retail spokesman Ray Shead predicts the level could be as high as £100 an item before sales tax is levied.

It looks like good news for those who buy food, drink, clothes and other items across the water, as they are likely to avoid paying the local sales tax on their purchases.

But it is news local shopkeepers probably did not want to hear.

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