Country Shipping Guide
Shipping to France: Customs, Documents & Ports
France, the EU's second-largest economy, offers major ports on both Atlantic (Le Havre) and Mediterranean (Marseille/Fos) coasts.
- Country
- France
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Major ports
- FRLEH, FRMRS
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
France, the EU's second-largest economy, offers major ports on both Atlantic (Le Havre) and Mediterranean (Marseille/Fos) coasts. Paris Charles de Gaulle is Europe's second-largest air cargo hub. France has strong logistics infrastructure connecting to Spain, Italy, Germany, and Benelux countries.
Customs in France
French customs (Douanes) operates under EU regulations. Import duties follow EU tariffs with 20% VAT. Electronic customs procedures (DELTA) streamline clearance. Wine, food products, and luxury goods may have specific import requirements.
Documents required for France
- Commercial Invoice (in French or with translation)
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
- EORI number
- Import declaration (DELTA)
Tips for shipping to France
- Le Havre serves northern France and Paris region
- Marseille/Fos ideal for Mediterranean and African routes
- Good rail connections (fret SNCF) for inland transport
- August shutdowns may affect business operations
Popular routes to France
- shanghai-rotterdam
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Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to ship to France?
Commercial Invoice (in French or with translation), Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin, EORI number, Import declaration (DELTA)
How does customs work in France?
French customs (Douanes) operates under EU regulations.