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🇺🇸Shipping from United States to France🇫🇷
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Landmark Global
$5.3/kg
5-12 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$39.38/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 20%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$3.98
Landmark Global
5-12 d
Clothing 2kg
$7.69
Landmark Global
Box 5kg
$13.27
Landmark Global
Heavy 10kg
$22.28
Landmark Global
from $5.3/kgfrom 1 days17 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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17 results
Landmark Global~ EstimatedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$5.3
Tracking: Yes
Asendia~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$10.26
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedFastest3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.0 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.0 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landmark GlobalStandard | $5.57 | $5.3 | -4.8% |
| AsendiaStandard | $10.57 | $10.26 | -2.9% |
| Pitney BowesExpress | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: France
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-3.7% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-17% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-26% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-4% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 2.5-6.5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-4.7% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
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.
Processing time1-4 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for FR: $165. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for France →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
✓For export from US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
✓For import into FR: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓certificate of origin
✓EUR
✓1 movement certificate (for FTA partners)
✓EORI number
✓customs declaration
✓phytosanitary certificate (for food/plants)
Where to obtain documents
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. Import licenses: EU-standard licensing: required for agricultural quotas, textiles, dual-use goods, weapons, and certain cultural items. Additional French requirements for wine and spirits imports.
Trade: United States & France
Limited direct trade data between US and FR. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into FR: Vehicles, petroleum, electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, clothing, food products. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). France charges 20% TVA (VAT) on imports. La Poste handles last-mile delivery for postal shipments. French customs can be slower during August holidays and the Christmas period. For e-commerce, IOSS registration simplifies VAT collection.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from US to FR in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠Prohibited for import into FR: Narcotics
⚠weapons without authorization
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food products without EU health certificates
⚠radar detectors
⚠products containing asbestos
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
US and FR are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 20%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 5.5% for food and books, 10% for certain services.
Trade Information
France is a top US trade partner within the EU, with bilateral goods trade exceeding $80 billion annually. No US-EU FTA exists, so EU common external tariffs apply. France charges 20% VAT (TVA) on imports. The EU de minimis threshold of EUR 150 applies for customs duties, but VAT is charged from the first euro via the IOSS system for e-commerce.
Shipping Tips
La Poste handles last-mile delivery in France and is generally reliable. DHL Express offers 2-day delivery from the US. For economy shipping, USPS First Class International (10-14 days) is very affordable for items under 2 kg. French customs can be slow during holiday periods, ship early for Christmas and summer deliveries.
User Reviews
“DHL Express to Paris, 2 days exactly. Cost $58 for 1 kg. TVA was collected by DHL before delivery, so no cash on delivery hassle.”
DHL2 days
“Sent books via USPS Media Mail International to Lyon. Took 12 days but cost just $18 for 1.5 kg. Great for non-urgent items.”
USPS12 days
Shipping from United States to France: Overview
We found 17 shipping options from United States to France. The cheapest option is Landmark Global (Standard) starting from $5.3 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for France
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Average duty rate
4.2%
Note: EU customs union
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United States to France?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to France is typically Landmark Global (Standard), starting from approximately $5.3 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United States to France take?
Delivery times from United States to France range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to France?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to France. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to France?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to France. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (20%) and import duties (average 4.2%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to FR?
Items prohibited for import into FR include: Narcotics, weapons without authorization, counterfeit goods, certain food products without EU health certificates, radar detectors, products containing asbestos. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from US to FR?
To ship from US to FR you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EUR.1 movement certificate (for FTA partners), EORI number, customs declaration, phytosanitary certificate (for food/plants). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between US and FR?
Yes, US and FR share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to FR?
France charges 20% TVA (VAT) on imports. La Poste handles last-mile delivery for postal shipments. French customs can be slower during August holidays and the Christmas period. For e-commerce, IOSS registration simplifies VAT collection. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for FR?
The de minimis threshold for FR is $165. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into FR?
VAT/GST rate: 20%. CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 5.5% for food and books, 10% for certain services.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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