Montreal has been described as a crossroads between Paris and New York. France and Quebec share a strong economic connection that depends on low cost delivery to France. See section below on shipping online orders direct to France from Canada
A few quick points to consider when shipping international between Canada and France
- Canada Post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items internationally to France (see Canada Post international shipping options below).
- Market dominant carriers, such as UPS, FedEx have crazy high base pricing. Discounted shipping can be obtained via "comparison quotes reseller sites" but discounted retail can still be expensive and such sites often lack support, logistics expertise and import ability.
- Jet's logistics professionals will personally respond to your inquiry within 1 business day sharing our expertise and helping you find the right solution (we freely recommend alternative carriers and methods that may better suite your needs). Ask Jet.
- Ecommerce shippers usually need a much lower cost than can be provided by traditional shipping methods and need direct shipping solutions (visit our ecommerce page).
This post provides a deeper dive and explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada and France:
- Delivery carrier shipping options France from Canada
- French customs clearance of parcels
- Shipping online orders from Canada to Quebec
- Clearance of personal effects France shipped from Canada
- Carrier shipping options Canada FROM France
- Import to Canada and common import fees for shipments from France
- CETA EU duty free import to France for Canada origin goods
Jet Worldwide Canada offers low cost economy parcel shipping from Montreal for delivery to France for larger parcels.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only and is not intended to, constitute legal and/or tax advice. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is”; no representations are made that the content is error-free.
Parcel shipping options from Montreal, Quebec Canada
Shipping France from Canada via Canada Post
For shipments under 2 kg, Canada Post's "small packet" is the lowest option to France. Shipments sent via Canada Post are imported and delivered by the French Postal Service, La Poste
- Canada Post small packet surface, air and "tracked packet"
- Canada Post international parcel: Surface
- Canada Post Xpresspost parcel: Delivery to France in 1 week
Shipping to France via FedEx, UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers and they - along with DHL - offer shipping from Montreal and all Canada to Paris, Lyon, Marseille and all France.
FedEx and UPS shipping France from Canada options, include:
- International express/ priority air to France
- International economy air from Canada
Shipping via Jet Montreal to France
- Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 35 years.
- Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping between Canada, France and the EU for parcels, pallets and online ecommerce orders.
- Jet Worldwide offers transparency and world class logistics support. We are not shy about recommending alternative solutions as necessary.
Customs Clearance for shipments to France
French customs participates in general WTO principles using the harmonized system for determining applicable duty rates. The rates are based on the "CIF" value (cost of the goods + insurance + freight). Goods under 150 euros can be imported duty free but all goods are subject to French Value Added Tax.
French value added tax - in many cases- must be paid at time of checkout via Shopify, eBay and other online platforms.
Read about duty free import and duty collection for online orders to European Union countries.
Duty free Clearance under CETA: Shipping from Canada to France
The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) creates great opportunity for duty free shipping to France. Customs duties have been eliminated for all imports (although some, such as agricultural and textile products will remain restricted). NOTE: Even duty free items are subject to tax (VAT) of 20%.
The good news for Canadians shipping to France is that no certificate of origin for preferential CETA duty free clearance is required. A simple statement on the invoice for customs (see below) is all that is needed.
Delivery to France via La Poste, Coliposte and Chronopost
Canadian and American shippers are more often seeking warehousing and distribution within the EU - as the UK will leave the EU. Contact our team for information on shipping, warehousing and storing items in France for French and euro-domestic distribution.
Shipping Personal effects France rom Canada
Personal effects to France are eligible for clearance free of duty and taxes. The requirements of personal effects include:
- French customs requires a full detailed invoice with itemized values
- Paperwork must clearly mention 'Used Personal Effects'
- Customs inspection made upon arrival and consignee will be contacted
- Items must be used and for personal use only
Shipping of excess baggage to France: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags are most often far less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).
Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects Spain from Canada via economy air. Get a shipping quote France from Canada via Jet.
Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Shipping e-commerce orders to France and the EU
With an affinity for Canadian products, France’s online market is one of the world’s largest. Now more than ever, Canadian companies are looking for direct shipping, last-mile delivery, and clearance solutions for their shipping of e-commerce orders to France and the EU.
As mentioned above, VAT collection should be prepaid at time of checkout via online platforms.
Read about duty free import and VAT collection for online orders to European Union Countries.
Here are a few things to consider when developing high-volume shipping solutions from Quebec and Canada to France and the EU:
- Customers shipping goods valued under EUR 150 do not have to pay duty; however, the VAT still applies.
- Goods shipped from Canada via France to the rest of the EU can be imported with a French VAT Number.
- Jet Worldwide can assist North American companies in their development of direct shipping solutions to France and the EU.
- Jet Worldwide can help Canadian companies set up fiscal representation in France to facilitate final formalities as needed.
- Jet Worldwide can provide customers with a duties and taxes estimate in advance of shipping, enabling Canadian retailers to determine the import cost of their online orders.
CETA duty free shipping France from France: Proof of Origin - POO
Preferential treatment is based on a declaration and not on a formal certificate of origin. The origin declaration can be on an invoice or any other commercial document that accurately describes the goods.
- For casual goods (goods other than for sale or commercial use), the country of origin must be indicated on the air waybill and any accompanying documents (e.g., invoice).
- For commercial goods, a statement of origin is required on the commercial invoice, or other commercial document, along with a complete description of the originating goods.
Here is a sample POO statement:
(Period: from___________ to __________)
The exporter of the products covered by this document (Customs authorization No…*) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ... preferential origin.
……………………………………………………………............................................. (Place and date)
……………………………………………………………............................................. (Signature and printed name of the exporter)
Common Carrier Options for Shipping Canada from France
The common carrier options for shipping Canada from France include La Poste(preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items), DHL, FedEx and UPS.
FedEx and UPS Shipping Services to Canada from France Include:
- International Priority Air Express to Canada
- International economy air shipping from France
Importing Goods to Canada Shipped from ____
Goods imported to Canada valued over CA$20 are subject to duty and taxes. Consignments valued under CA$3,300 can be imported via Canada's low value system (LVS).
French origin goods may qualify for preferential duty free entry under Canada EU free trade agreement (CETA) regardless of value.
Common Canadian Import Fees for Shipments from France
Common import fees for consignments shipped via air to Canada can include duty, tax, and disbursement fees.
Getting quote for shipping between France and Canada
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between France and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders. Contact our team: For a quote for shipping online orders, provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).
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