France
FR · FRA
As of: 7/20/2026
Transit- und Handelsdrehscheibe Westeuropas (See, Luft, Strasse, Schiene, Binnenschiff)
Capital: Paris
EU / EurozoneRoadRailSeaAirInland WaterwayImport VAT: Einfuhrumsatzsteuer 20 Prozent (Normalsatz)Customs: mittelRisk: niedrigPharma/Cold Chain: hochDangerous Goods: hochE-Commerce: sehr hoch
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-ExupĂ©ry, plus the seaports of Le Havre (HAROPA), Marseille-Fos and Dunkerque. On land, the A1 ParisâLille, A6/A7 ParisâLyonâMarseille and A26 CalaisâReims axes and the TEN-T North SeaâMediterranean, Atlantic and RhineâAlpine 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
Area643,801 kmÂČ
Population68,600,000
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Economic areaEU / Eurozone
ContinentEurope
ReligionsKatholizismus, Islam, Protestantismus, Judentum
ISO codeFR / FRA
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)Import system
EU-Zollkodex; elektronische Einfuhranmeldung ĂŒber DELTA G bzw. DELTA IE (Import-Volet) und DELTA H7 fĂŒr Kleinsendungen. Im EU-Binnenmarkt freier Warenverkehr ohne Zollanmeldung.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung elektronisch ĂŒber DELTA IE (Export-Volet) bzw. das EU-AES. Innergemeinschaftliche Lieferungen ohne Zollanmeldung.
Import VAT
- Einfuhrumsatzsteuer 20 Prozent (Normalsatz)
- ermĂ€ssigt 10, 5,5 und 2,1 Prozent. Seit 2022 Autoliquidation: Erhebung ĂŒber die MehrwertsteuererklĂ€rung CA3 statt am Zoll.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (CMR / B/L / AWB)
- Zollanmeldung (DELTA)
- EORI-Nummer
- ggf. Ursprungsnachweis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (AES / DELTA IE)
- Frachtbrief
- EORI-Nummer
- ggf. PrÀferenznachweis
Origin proofs / FTA
EU-PrĂ€ferenzursprung ĂŒber Warenverkehrsbescheinigung EUR.1, UrsprungserklĂ€rung auf der Rechnung und registrierte AusfĂŒhrer (REX) im Rahmen der EU-Freihandelsabkommen.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-Standardverbote: Waffen, BetĂ€ubungsmittel, bestimmte Lebens- und Pflanzenprodukte, CITES-Arten, KulturgĂŒter. Verbrauchsteuern auf Alkohol, Tabak und Energie.
Export controls & sanctions
Dual-Use-Kontrolle nach EU-Verordnung 2021/821, zustÀndig SBDU und Zoll. EU-Sanktionen (u. a. gegen Russland) werden vollumfÀnglich angewendet.
Without warranty â always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) â General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from nonâEU 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 â who clears customs/pays import VAT?
- Missing/wrong HS code/classification â delays and cost risk
- Origin/preference not properly documented â 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
Top import partners
Top export partners
Top import goods
MaschinenFahrzeugeRohölFlugzeugePharmazeutika
Top export goods
FlugzeugeFahrzeugePharmazeutikaWeinChemikalien
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
highSea
highRoad
highRail
highInland Waterway
mediumCargo 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 (Rhein)
- Lyon (Rhone)
Road corridors & border crossings
- A1 Paris-Lille
- A6/A7 Paris-Lyon-Marseille
- A10 Paris-Bordeaux
- A26 Calais-Reims
Rail corridors
- TEN-T Rhein-Alpen
- TEN-T Atlantik
- TEN-T Nordsee-Mittelmeer
Top trade lanes
- FR-DE
- FR-ES
- FR-IT
- FR-BE/NL
- FR-US
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskniedrig
Customs delay riskniedrig bis mittel
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Stabiles Rechts- und Infrastrukturumfeld. Periodische Streiks (HÀfen, Bahn, Strasse) und Staus an Ballungsknoten können Lieferketten kurzfristig verzögern.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mistral und WinterstĂŒrme an Mittelmeer- und AtlantikkĂŒste; Schnee und GlĂ€tte in Alpen und Zentralmassiv können Strassen- und Schienenverkehr zeitweise beeintrĂ€chtigen.
Current logistics notes
Hafenstreiks in Le Havre und Marseille-Fos (Mai 2026, u. a. FNSM CGT/FOMM) mit europaweiten Folgewirkungen; strukturelle Konflikte ungelöst, weitere ArbeitskĂ€mpfe im Sommer 2026 wahrscheinlich. Seit 1. Juli 2026 entfĂ€llt die EU-Zollfreigrenze von 150 Euro; ĂŒbergangsweise pauschal 3 Euro Zoll je Artikel fĂŒr Kleinsendungen an EU-Verbraucher. (Stand 2026-07-20)
As of: 2026-07-20
Operational notes â no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 21, 2026
| 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021). |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
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
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Ascension Day
May 14, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Whit Monday
May 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
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
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Assumption Day
Aug 15, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
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
Customs closedTransport affected
Falls on a Sunday in 2026. HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Armistice Day
Nov 11, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
HGV ban over 7.5 t from 22:00 on the eve until 22:00 on the holiday (ArrĂȘtĂ© of 16 April 2021).
Sources: Service-Public.fr
Truck driving bans
As of: Jul 21, 2026
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, 22:00â22:00 (Europe/Paris)
from 7.5 t
TrailersForeign vehicles
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 (ArrĂȘtĂ© 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-RhĂŽne-Alpes (Europe/Paris)
from 7.5 t
TrailersForeign vehicles
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: LĂ©gifrance â ArrĂȘtĂ© du 16 avril 2021 · LĂ©gifrance â ArrĂȘtĂ© du 16 avril 2021 / Bison FutĂ©
Tolls & charges
As of: Jul 21, 2026
PĂ©age â konzessioniertes Autobahnnetz
TollOperator: ASFA-KonzessionÀre (Vinci Autoroutes, APRR, Sanef u. a.)
Classe 3 (Nutzfahrzeuge 2 Achsen, Höhe ab 3 m oder ĂŒber 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
Bordeaux-MĂ©rignac Airport
BOD · Bordeaux/Mérignac
Charles de Gaulle International Airport
CDG · Paris (Roissy-en-France, Val-d'Oise)
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
BSL · Saint-Louis
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
LYS · Colombier-Saugnieu, RhÎne
Marseille Provence Airport
MRS · Marignane, Bouches-du-RhÎne
Nice-CĂŽte d'Azur Airport
NCE · Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Paris-Orly Airport
ORY · Paris (Orly, Val-de-Marne)
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
TLS · Toulouse/Blagnac
Abbeville-Buigny Baie de Somme Airfield
Buigny-Saint-Maclou
Agen-La Garenne Airport
AGF · Agen/La Garenne
Ajaccio-Napoléon Bonaparte Airport
AJA · Ajaccio/Napoléon Bonaparte
Albi-Le SĂ©questre Airport
LBI · Albi/Le Séquestre
Seaports in this country
Bordeaux
FR BOD · Large
Fos
FR FOS · Large
Port Of Le Havre
FR LEH · Large
Port Of Rouen
FR URO · Large
Rade De Brest
FR BES · Large
Rade De Cherbourg
FR CER · Large
Toulon
FR TLN · Large
Bayonne
FR BAY · Medium
Boulogne-Sur-Mer
FR BOL · Medium
Dunkerque Port Est
FR DKK · Medium
Dunkerque Port Ouest
Medium
La Pallice
FR LPE · Medium
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-20
Official sources
- douane.gouv.fr
- sbdu.entreprises.gouv.fr
- insee.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Welches Zollsystem nutzt Frankreich fĂŒr Einfuhren?
Einfuhren werden elektronisch ĂŒber die DELTA-Plattform der französischen Zollverwaltung angemeldet (DELTA G bzw. DELTA IE Import, DELTA H7 fĂŒr Kleinsendungen). Im EU-Binnenmarkt ist keine Zollanmeldung nötig.
Wie hoch ist die Einfuhrumsatzsteuer in Frankreich?
Der Normalsatz betrĂ€gt 20 Prozent, ermĂ€ssigte SĂ€tze sind 10, 5,5 und 2,1 Prozent. Seit 2022 wird die Einfuhr-Mehrwertsteuer ĂŒber die SteuererklĂ€rung CA3 selbst verrechnet (Autoliquidation) statt am Zoll bezahlt.
Welche sind die wichtigsten HĂ€fen Frankreichs?
Le Havre im HAROPA-Verbund ist der grösste Containerhafen, Marseille-Fos das Mittelmeertor und grösste Hafen nach Tonnage, Dunkerque bedient den Norden. Rouen und Paris ergÀnzen die Seine-Achse.
Welcher Flughafen ist fĂŒr Luftfracht am wichtigsten?
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) ist mit rund 1,75 Millionen Tonnen (2025) der grösste Frachtflughafen Frankreichs und nach Frankfurt der zweitgrösste Europas. ErgÀnzend dienen Paris-Orly und Lyon-Saint-Exupéry.
Brauche ich eine EORI-Nummer fĂŒr den Handel mit Frankreich?
Ja, fĂŒr Zollanmeldungen bei Ein- und Ausfuhren in bzw. aus dem EU-Zollgebiet ist eine EORI-Nummer erforderlich. Innerhalb des EU-Binnenmarkts entfĂ€llt die Zollanmeldung.
Welche Exportkontrollen gelten in Frankreich?
Es gilt die EU-Dual-Use-Verordnung 2021/821; zustÀndig sind der SBDU und die Zollverwaltung. EU-Sanktionen, etwa gegen Russland, werden vollumfÀnglich umgesetzt.
Was Àndert sich 2026 bei Kleinsendungen?
Ab 1. Juli 2026 entfĂ€llt die Zollfreigrenze von 150 Euro. Ăbergangsweise gilt ein pauschaler Zoll von 3 Euro je Artikel fĂŒr Kleinsendungen, die direkt an EU-Verbraucher gehen.
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:
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