Shipping to France: VAT, Paperwork and the Photocopy Habit
French clearance is procedural. Procedural systems reward tidy paperwork.
Updated 2026-10-30
VAT and duty together
Import VAT applies to the goods plus shipping, and duty may apply above a value threshold. Both are assessed before release.
Prepaid-tax lines bundle it into the freight quote. Compare landed totals, never the freight line alone.
The paperwork that clears fastest
A commercial invoice with a real product description, quantity, unit price and HS-style category. 'Clothing' alone invites questions; 'men's cotton sweatshirt' does not.
Keep a digital copy of everything you sent. When a second agent asks for it, you will not be rebuilding it under time pressure.
Volume versus weight for French rates
Most French routes bill on the greater of actual and volumetric weight. Bulky light goods — bags, jackets, plush — often pay for air they do not use.
Compression and box removal apply here exactly as they do elsewhere, and they matter more than the line you choose.
If the parcel is stopped
You will normally be asked for the invoice or a payment. Reply with the documents you already have; do not invent a new value.
A contradictory second invoice turns a routine hold into a fraud flag. That is the one mistake worth avoiding above all others.
FAQ
Is there a duty-free limit into France?
VAT applies from the first euro on commercial goods; relief is narrow and does not cover a normal haul.
Can I ship counterfeit goods?
No. French customs destroys them and may fine the recipient. No agent insures this.
Do I need an EORI number?
For personal parcels, usually not. Business imports do require one.