Low Cost shipping to France for e-commerce and European access
The US/French commercial alliance dates back centuries. France is the world's fifth largest economy and a leading trade partner with the United States. Leading exports from the US to France include aerospace and IT infrastructure as well as advance instrumentation including medical supplies and broadcasting equipment.
US companies are seeking low-cost shipping solutions to France and the European Union to fulfill international online e-commerce orders. See section below on VAT collection for online orders to France.
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Benefit from unique local French solutions to France from our team. Access dedicated clearance process, local storage and domestic delivery. Contact our team for a consultation.
In this blog, we review:
- Carrier delivery options for shipping France from the US
- Shipping terms to Consider
- Shipping online orders to France
- Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to France and the EU
- Customs clearance considerations for importing to France from the US
- Shipping personal effects from the US to France
- EU warehousing and distribution
Common carriers
If you are looking beyond the obvious USPS, FedEx and UPS options, contact our team for details. We have unique solutions to the UK and Europe.
Shipping to France via USPS
The cheapest option for individuals shipping small parcels to France is the US Postal Service (USPS). The USPS has a variety of small package services accessible online or by visiting a local post office with your actual parcel. Shipments sent via USPS to France import for delivery via La Poste.
USPS Parcel Shipping Options to France:
The First Class International Package Service is among the most common USPS shipping options to France. This "small packet" service is available for shipments weighing under 4 pounds and under USD 400.
USPS options are less attractive for heavier shipments and/or when a higher level of service is necessary. Get a comparison quote for shipping to France.
Shipping to France from the USA via Chronopost
Chronopost- a subsidiary of La Poste - is a leading carrier in France and offers shipping from France to the USA via partners (such as FedEx) but not vice versa. Chronopost does not have offices in the USA.
Jet Worldwide helps American and French companies develop parcel shipping and import solutions for shipping between the US, France and Canada.
Shipping to France via FedEx or UPS
FedEx and UPS are the largest carriers in the USA and, along with DHL, offer shipping options from the US to France.
FedEx and UPS offer two main shipping options to France
- International Air Express to France: 2-3 day delivery
- International Air Economy shipping to France: 3-5 day delivery
Jet Worldwide shipping options to France from the USA
Jet Worldwide offers low-cost parcel shipping parcels and online orders to France from the US and North America. Jet Worldwide's team provides logistics support for EU distribution from our Paris hub and shipping direct from Canada to France. About Jet Worldwide.
Ship your online orders direct to France the USA and Canada with delivery paid import and last mile delivery. Contact our team for information.
Shipping terms to consider when shipping to France
The default option for shipping internationally from the United States is Delivery Duty Unpaid. Common carriers use the term Ex Works (EXW). This assigns all import costs to the receiver. Shippers from the US can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver. A Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) option is available via most carriers.
See our blog on Incoterms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from France's 20% value add tax that the importing business may otherwise be able to claim back.
Shipping online orders to France
Most online orders that ship to France can import duty free. All imports are subject to VAT. Shipping online orders to France duty free but with prepaid VAT.
EU warehousing distributions: European logistics support
Jet Worldwide offers warehousing and delivery solutions to France using local facilities. We help companies send bulk shipments to distribution facilities for warehousing and on demand distribution. Following transit clearance, a bulk shipment warehousing via Jet Worldwide. Delivery throughout France.
Contact our team for France and EU warehousing and distribution solutions
Customs clearance: importing to France from the USA
France has specific rules and regulations for importing goods into the country. Some of the main customs rules for import into France are:
- Import duties and taxes: Most goods import to France are subject to import duties and taxes. The rate of these taxes depends on the type and value of goods.
- Documentation: You will need to present certain documentation to French customs in order to clear your shipment for import. This may include a commercial invoice, packing list, and other documents.
- Goods with Restrictions: There are certain goods that cannot import to France. With the controls include drugs, weapons, and hazardous materials. Special permits or licenses are necessary for animals, plants, and cultural artifacts.
- Health and safety regulations: France has strict health and safety regulations for food products, cosmetics, and consumer products. These regulations may require additional documentation and testing.
- Intellectual property rights: France has strict laws protecting intellectual property rights, and importing goods that infringe on these rights may result in fines and other penalties.
It is important to note that the customs rules for import into France can be complex and may vary depending on the type of goods you are importing. Consult with French customs authorities or a customs broker for specific guidance on the steps you will need to take to import your shipment.
All imports to France from the USA are subject to customs clearance and need an invoice for customs. For most goods under €150 can import duty-free. All imports are subject to value add tax/VAT. French customs considers the CIF value as the amount subject to duty. The CIF value includes the cost of the item plus shipping and insurance cost.
The import fees for consignments to France
- Duty (on the CIF Value and commodity code/ HS Code)
- Value Adde Tax of 20% (CIF Value plus duty)
- Carrier disbursement / Admin fee: Usually around 2.5% (with a minimum fee) of the amount paid in duty and taxes on behalf of the receiver prior to delivery.
Shipping personal effects to France from the USA
Personal effects to France are eligible for clearance free of duty and taxes. The requirements of personal effects include:
- French customs requires an invoice with the value for each item.
- Paperwork must clearly mention 'Personal Effects'.
- Customs inspection made upon arrival and consignee contact.
- Items must be not new 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 is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements.
Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects to France from the US via economy air.
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.
