French Tax Authority Consulting on Update Guidance for Reduced VAT Rate on Audiobooks, Including Dedicated Audiobook Devices

The French tax authority has launched a public consultation on the applicable VAT rate for physical books, audiobooks, and composite product bundles, which runs from 29 July to 30 September 2026. The consultation follows a recent decision from the French Council of State, concerning whether electronic devices intended solely for the reading of audiobooks qualify for the reduced VAT rate of 5.5% for audiobooks, or the standard 20% VAT rate for electronics in general. The case involved audio …