Country profile
France
FR · FRAAs of: 7/20/2026Transit and trade hub for Western Europe (sea, air, road, rail, inland waterway)
France is a key logistics hub in Western Europe with access to the Atlantic, the English Channel and the Mediterranean. Le Havre (HAROPA) is the country's largest container port, Marseille-Fos the Mediterranean gateway, and Dunkerque serves the north. Paris-Charles de Gaulle is Europe's second-largest cargo airport after Frankfurt. As an EU and eurozone member, goods move freely within the single market; third-country imports are filed electronically via the DELTA system. Dense motorways, an extensive rail network and inland waterways on the Seine and Rhine connect seaports and airports with the hinterland.
Overview
France (FR) is Western Europe's transit and trade hub, with coastlines on the Atlantic, the English Channel and the Mediterranean, linking the Iberian Peninsula with Central and Northern Europe. As an EU and eurozone member it applies the Union Customs Code: third-country imports are filed electronically via DELTA (DELTA G/IE, H7 for low-value consignments), import VAT is 20 percent and has been self-assessed via the CA3 return (autoliquidation) since 2022. The main gateways are Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Europe's second-largest cargo airport after Frankfurt, complemented by Paris-Orly and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry, plus the seaports of Le Havre (HAROPA), Marseille-Fos and Dunkerque. On land, the A1 Paris–Lille, A6/A7 Paris–Lyon–Marseille and A26 Calais–Reims axes and the TEN-T North Sea–Mediterranean, Atlantic and Rhine–Alpine corridors carry the traffic; the Seine and Rhine connect inland ports such as Paris and Strasbourg. Key traded goods include aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wine and food; main partners are Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and the US.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)Import system
EU Customs Code; electronic import declaration via DELTA G or DELTA IE (import module) and DELTA H7 for small consignments. Within the EU single market, goods move freely without customs declaration.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via DELTA IE (export module) or the EU AES. Intra-Community supplies without customs declaration.
Import VAT
- Import VAT 20 percent (standard rate)
- reduced rates 10, 5,5 and 2,1 percent. Since 2022 reverse charge (autoliquidation): collected via VAT return CA3 instead of at customs.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Consignment note (CMR / B/L / AWB)
- Customs declaration (DELTA)
- EORI number
- if applicable, proof of origin
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (AES / DELTA IE)
- Consignment note
- EORI number
- if applicable, preferential origin proof
Origin proofs / FTA
EU preferential origin via movement certificate EUR.1, origin statement on the invoice and registered exporters (REX) under EU free trade agreements.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU standard prohibitions: weapons, narcotic drugs, certain food and plant products, CITES species, cultural goods. Excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy.
Export controls & sanctions
Dual-use controls under EU Regulation 2021/821; responsible authorities SBDU and customs. EU sanctions (including against Russia) are fully applied.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Incoterms unclear → who clears customs/pays import VAT?
- Missing/wrong HS code/classification → delays and cost risk
- Origin/preference not properly documented → preference may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Paris-Orly (ORY)
- Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS)
Seaports / access ports
- Le Havre (HAROPA)
- Marseille-Fos
- Dunkerque
- Rouen (HAROPA)
Inland ports & terminals
- Paris (Seine, HAROPA)
- Strasbourg (Rhine)
- Lyon (Rhone)
Road corridors & border crossings
- A1 Paris-Lille
- A6/A7 Paris-Lyon-Marseille
- A10 Paris-Bordeaux
- A26 Calais-Reims
Rail corridors
- TEN-T Rhine-Alps
- TEN-T Atlantic
- TEN-T North Sea-Mediterranean
Top trade lanes
- FR-DE
- FR-ES
- FR-IT
- FR-BE/NL
- FR-US
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stable legal and infrastructure environment. Periodic strikes (ports, rail, road) and congestion at urban hubs can delay supply chains at short notice.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mistral and winter storms on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts; snow and ice in the Alps and Massif Central can temporarily affect road and rail traffic.
Current logistics notes
Port strikes in Le Havre and Marseille-Fos (May 2026, including FNSM CGT/FOMM) with Europe-wide knock-on effects; structural conflicts remain unresolved, and further labour disputes in summer 2026 are likely. From 1. July 2026 the EU customs exemption threshold of 150 euros is abolished; as a transitional measure, a flat customs duty of 3 euros per item applies to small consignments to EU consumers. (As of 2026-07-20)
As of: 2026-07-20
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| Apr 6, 2026 | Easter Monday | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | Only legally mandatory non-working holiday; HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday. | ||
| May 8, 2026 | Victory in Europe Day | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| May 25, 2026 | Whit Monday | National | Journée de solidarité: many businesses still operate. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday. | ||
| Jul 14, 2026 | Bastille Day (National Day) | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Assumption Day | National | Falls on a Saturday in 2026. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday. | ||
| Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day | National | Falls on a Sunday in 2026. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| Nov 11, 2026 | Armistice Day | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). | ||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021). |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Only legally mandatory non-working holiday; HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday.
Victory in Europe Day
May 8, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Ascension Day
May 14, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Whit Monday
May 25, 2026
Journée de solidarité: many businesses still operate. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday.
Bastille Day (National Day)
Jul 14, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Assumption Day
Aug 15, 2026
Falls on a Saturday in 2026. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday.
All Saints' Day
Nov 1, 2026
Falls on a Sunday in 2026. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Armistice Day
Nov 11, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Sources: Service-Public.fr
Truck driving bans
Weekend and public-holiday HGV ban over 7.5 t
Sunday banSamstag 22:00 bis Sonntag 22:00; Vorabend eines Feiertags 22:00 bis Feiertag 22:00, 22:00–22:00 (Europe/Paris)
from 7.5 t
Exceptions
Exemptions include perishable foodstuffs, live animals, press products, combined transport legs and prefectoral derogations.
Special permit possible
Applies nationwide on the entire road network to goods vehicles over 7.5 t GVW (Arrêté of 16 April 2021).
Additional summer and winter HGV bans (Bison Futé)
SeasonalSommer: bestimmte Samstage im Juli/August 07:00-19:00 landesweit; Winter: Samstage in den Schulferien 07:00-18:00 auf dem Netz der Region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Europe/Paris)
from 7.5 t
Exceptions
Same exemptions as the general ban (perishables, live animals, combined transport, derogations).
Special permit possible
The specific ban Saturdays are published annually in the Bison Futé calendar; check it before summer and winter Saturdays.
Sources: Légifrance – Arrêté du 16 avril 2021 · Légifrance – Arrêté du 16 avril 2021 / Bison Futé
Tolls & charges
Péage – konzessioniertes Autobahnnetz
TollOperator: ASFA-Konzessionäre (Vinci Autoroutes, APRR, Sanef u. a.)
Classe 3 (Nutzfahrzeuge 2 Achsen, Höhe ab 3 m oder über 3,5 t), Classe 4 (Nutzfahrzeuge ab 3 Achsen)
Distance-based toll on the concessioned motorway network (about 9,000 km). HGVs pay class 3 or 4 rates at toll plazas; payment by cash, card or télépéage badge (TIS-PL, no mandatory OBU). Rates are adjusted per concession annually (usually 1 February); volume discounts available via badge providers.
Sources: ASFA / autoroutes.fr
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- douane.gouv.fr
- sbdu.entreprises.gouv.fr
- insee.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs system does France use for imports?
Imports are declared electronically via the DELTA platform of the French customs administration (DELTA G or DELTA IE import, DELTA H7 for small consignments). No customs declaration is needed within the EU single market.
What is the import VAT rate in France?
The standard rate is 20 percent; reduced rates are 10, 5,5 and 2,1 percent. Since 2022, import VAT is settled through the CA3 VAT return itself (autoliquidation) instead of being paid at customs.
What are the main ports of France?
Le Havre, within the HAROPA group, is the largest container port, Marseille-Fos is the Mediterranean gateway and largest port by tonnage, and Dunkerque serves the north. Rouen and Paris complement the Seine axis.
Which airport is most important for air freight?
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is France's largest cargo airport, with around 1,75 million tonnes (2025), and the second largest in Europe after Frankfurt. Paris-Orly and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry serve as supplements.
Do I need an EORI number for trade with France?
Yes, an EORI number is required for customs declarations for imports into or exports out of the EU customs territory. Within the EU single market, no customs declaration is needed.
Which export controls apply in France?
The EU dual-use regulation 2021/821 applies; the responsible authorities are the SBDU and the customs administration. EU sanctions, such as those against Russia, are fully implemented.
What changes in 2026 for small consignments?
From 1. July 2026 the customs exemption threshold of 150 euros is abolished. As a transitional measure, a flat customs duty of 3 euros per item applies to small consignments sent directly to EU consumers.
Which trade partners are important for France?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for France?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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