France

French VAT

Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) is compulsory for all VAT-registered businesses importing goods to France from non-EU countries.

This means Import VAT is not paid at the point of import and the French importer must account for it in their VAT returns. As a result, shippers cannot pay Import VAT on behalf of the receiver under Delivered Taxes Paid (DTP) shipping terms.

If you are sending to a VAT registered business in France, you will need to provide their French VAT number for import declaration and clearance purposes.

This does not apply to private individuals or non-VAT registered entities, for whom Import VAT will be collected by the Customs Authority at the point of import.

Please find updates and service restrictions concerning shipping to France below:

General Information for France

All shipments between the UK and the EU require customs clearance. Please refer to our Customs Information.

Iron and Steel Imports to the EU

Products of iron and steel may only be imported into the European Union (EU) if these goods do not contain Russian basic products.

This applies to the following commodity codes:

Chapter 72: Heading 7206 to 7229
Chapter 73: Heading 7301 to 7326

Providing proof that the goods do not contain Russian-origin material is the responsibility of the importer (consignee), if requested by local customs authorities. For this reason, you should provide valid and local contact details for the consignee so that they can receive SMS and email notifications.

Carrier Information for France

DHL Express shipping information for France

Please refer to DHL's list of prohibited and restricted items. On DHL's page, select "France" from the right-hand menu for restrictions specific to this destination.
See our DHL Express service information for a full overview.

DPD shipping information for France

Please refer to DPD's general list of prohibited goods and prohibited list by country (PDF).
This service cannot be used to ship personal effects, liquids, jewellery or watches, or used for returns or repairs.
Products of iron and steel must not contain Russian basic products (see above). Please include this declaration (.docx file) with your shipment. Consignees must be able to provide proof upon request.
This service cannot be used to deliver to Amazon warehouses.
Items should be packaged in cardboard boxes, not only in jiffy bags, bubblewrap, etc. Pallets, wooden crates/boxes and suitcases are not accepted.
See our DPD service information for a full overview.

FedEx shipping information for France

Please refer to FedEx's guidance on prohibited items. You will need to select "France" from the dropdown menu.
See our FedEx service information for a full overview.

Landmark Global shipping information for France

All food, including non-perishable, is prohibited on this service.
Please refer to Landmark's general list of dangerous and prohibited items (PDF) and prohibited commodity codes for the EU (PDF).
See our Landmark Global service information for a full overview.

TG Euro Parcel shipping information for France

Please refer to DPD's general list of prohibited goods and prohibited list by country (PDF).
This service cannot be used to ship personal effects, liquids, jewellery or watches, or used for returns or repairs.
Products of iron and steel must not contain Russian basic products (see above). Please include this declaration (.docx file) with your shipment. Consignees must be able to provide proof upon request.
This service cannot be used to deliver to Amazon warehouses.
Items should be packaged in cardboard boxes, not only in jiffy bags, bubblewrap, etc. Pallets, wooden crates/boxes and suitcases are not accepted.
See our TG Euro Parcel service information for a full overview.

TG Express shipping information for France

Please refer to DHL's list of prohibited and restricted items. On DHL's page, select "France" from the right-hand menu for restrictions specific to this destination.
See our TG Express service information for a full overview.

TG International shipping information for France

Please refer to the carrier's guidance on prohibited items. You will need to select "France" from the dropdown menu.
See our TG International (Depot) or TG International (US Export) service information for a full overview.

TNT shipping information for France

Televisions, bikes and passports are prohibited for this service.
TNT does not collect from, or deliver to, exhibitions.
Please refer to TNT's general advice on export controls.

UPS shipping information for France

Please refer to import/export information from UPS.
See our UPS service information for a full overview.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of customs restrictions and is provided for guidance only. Please consult the relevant customs authorities for further clarification and the most up-to-date advice.