Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a valid EORI number
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, a Commercial Invoice, and a Packing List
  • HS Codes can be be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice. Where the HS Codes are not stated correctly, France Customs may apply penalties


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to France
  • Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods into France is 20%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below EUR 22 are treated duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a EUR 22 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance

The following is a trade agreement with France that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
  • European Union (EU)


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and VAT. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods


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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into France from other countries. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • EORI number


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into France on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties and VAT has to be made for the benefit of France Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • EORI number

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from France some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declarations if goods' valued at or above EUR 1,000 (equivalent to USD 1,337) or  commercial quantities along with exporter’s copy of commercial registration and tax ID or Aramex may issue this declaration. Fee: EUR 6 (equivalent to USD 8) per Customs Declaration presented to customs authorities
  3. For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, chemicals, and agricultural products
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page)


Important Notes
  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of France


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Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through France can only remain in France for 30 days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice


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Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of France

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:

  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into France. Some examples are shown below:



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Aramex Clearance Service

Aramex offers clearance service covering the following Customs Ports:

  • Charles de Gaulle Airport

Aramex offers a wide range of customs clearance services (starting with Delivery Order collection up to delivery of goods). In addition, Aramex offers storage in Aramex warehouses when needed

In key locations, Aramex employees are certified and supported by a customer service team to keep customers updated, and address all inquiries


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References

  1. France Customs
  2. Customs Terminologies