🇫🇷 Import Customs & Duties: France
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 5.5% for food and books, 10% for certain services.
Clearance Time
1-4 days
typical processing
Note: EU customs union
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
French customs (Douanes) follows EU Union Customs Code. DELTA electronic declaration system. IOSS for VAT on low-value imports. La Poste handles customs for postal shipments and may charge a handling fee.
What to Actually Expect
French customs is generally efficient for express shipments. La Poste parcels may experience delays of 2-5 days for customs processing. A handling fee of ~€8 is charged by La Poste for customs-liable parcels. Colissimo tracking updates can be slow.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing: required for agricultural quotas, textiles, dual-use goods, weapons, and certain cultural items. Additional French requirements for wine and spirits imports.
Certificate of Origin
EU preferential certificates (EUR.1, EUR-MED) for FTA partners. Non-preferential certificates issued by CCI France (Chambers of Commerce and Industry). REX system for registered exporters.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to France:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $10 | $13 |
| $100 | $4 | $21 | $25 |
| $200 | $8 | $42 | $50 |
| $500 | $21 | $104 | $125 |
| $1000 | $42 | $208 | $250 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to France
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for France?
France has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to France?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to France is 20%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 5.5% for food and books, 10% for certain services.
How long does customs clearance take in France?
Typical customs clearance in France takes 1-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into France?
To import into France, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into France?
France prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.