Sea to Le Havre
France’s largest container port, linked to Paris by road, rail and the Seine. The usual choice for the Île-de-France region and the north.
- FCL and LCL
- Short truck leg to Paris
Shipping from China to France
Sea freight to Le Havre or Marseille-Fos, rail via Germany and air to Paris, with EU customs, French import VAT and delivery anywhere in France.
- North or south entry, chosen by address
- Import VAT through your VAT return
- French labelling checked before shipping
Two Coasts, Two Ways into France
France has ports on two seas. Le Havre, on the Channel, is the main gateway for Paris and the north. Marseille-Fos, on the Mediterranean, is closer for Lyon, the south and the Rhône valley. Picking the right one can save several days of trucking.
JIEYI collects from your suppliers in China, books the sea, rail or air leg that fits your deadline, clears customs in France and delivers to your warehouse, shop or Amazon.fr fulfilment centre.
Plan My Shipment to France
Main Routes from China to France
Where your goods enter France depends on where they are going.
Sea to Marseille-Fos
The Mediterranean gateway. Often the better choice for addresses in Provence, Occitanie and the Lyon area.
- FCL and LCL
- Closer for southern France
Rail via Germany
China–Europe trains run to terminals in Germany and Poland, and a truck completes the trip to France. Faster than sea, far cheaper than air.
- Good for restocking
- FCL and LCL
Air to Paris
For launches, samples and urgent orders, cleared at the arrival airport.
- Fastest option
- Best for light goods
Shipping Time from China to France
Typical times from South China. Door to door includes pickup, customs and delivery.
| Mode | Entry point | Main leg | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight | Le Havre, Marseille-Fos | 30–45 days port to port | 40–55 days |
| Rail freight | Terminals in Germany or Poland, then truck | 18–25 days terminal to terminal | 28–38 days |
| Air freight | Paris CDG, Lyon | 2–4 days airport to airport | 5–10 days |
| Express | Courier network | — | 3–7 days |
Sea times depend on whether vessels sail through the Suez Canal or around Africa. We check the current routing when we quote.
Shipping Cost from China to France (November 2026)
Typical rates in November 2026 for the main freight from South China. Rates change weekly; send your details and we reply with today’s price within 2 hours.
| Method | Typical cost | Door-to-door time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL, 20ft to Le Havre | about $2,100–2,600 | 40–55 days |
| Sea FCL, 40ft to Le Havre | about $3,600–4,100 | 40–55 days |
| Sea FCL, 40ft to Marseille-Fos | about $4,200–4,700 | 40–55 days |
| Sea LCL | quoted per shipment | 45–60 days |
| Rail freight via Germany | quoted per shipment | 28–38 days |
| Air freight (100 kg+) | about $4.5–7 per kg | 5–10 days |
Sea rates are for the ocean freight from South China. EU customs, import VAT, duties and delivery are extra unless you ship DDP. See the container shipping cost guide or ask for today’s price.
Sea, Rail or Air? Find Your Starting Point
Pick the weight and the deadline and see where to start for France.
French Customs and Import VAT
What to expect when goods from China are cleared in France.
EORI number
Needed to import into the EU. French customs issues it free of charge, and any EU EORI also works in France.
Import VAT (TVA)
The standard rate is 20%, with lower rates for some goods. Businesses registered for VAT in France declare import VAT in their VAT return instead of paying it at the border (autoliquidation).
Customs duty
Set by the EU tariff and the product’s commodity code, the same as anywhere in the EU.
ICS2 advance data
Goods descriptions, HS codes and consignee details are filed before departure.
No French VAT number?
With DDP, the French import VAT and duty are part of our price and the goods arrive cleared.
Ask for a DDP quoteFrench Labelling and EPR Checklist
France has some of the strictest consumer labelling rules in the EU. Check these before production.
| Topic | Rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Loi Toubon | Labels, instructions and warranties for consumers must be in French. |
| Recycling marks | Triman logo and Info-tri | Most household packaging and products need the Triman logo and sorting instructions. |
| Producer responsibility | EPR (REP) registration | Sellers of packaging, electronics, textiles, furniture, toys and other categories need a unique identification number (UIN). Amazon.fr asks for it. |
| Consumer products | CE marking and GPSR | CE marking where an EU directive applies, and an EU responsible person for consumer products. |
A general guide, not legal advice. Requirements depend on the exact product.
Shipping to Amazon.fr
Amazon.fr fulfilment centres are spread across northern, central and southern France, and Amazon may split one shipment between several of them. We check FNSKU and carton labels in China, plan the entry port around the assigned centres and book the delivery appointments.
- Labels and cartons checked in China
- Entry port chosen by fulfilment centre
- Duties paid (DDP) option
- Delivery appointments booked
China to France Shipping: FAQ
How long does shipping from China to France take?
Door to door, sea freight usually takes about 40–55 days, rail via Germany 28–38 days, air freight 5–10 days and express 3–7 days.
How much does shipping from China to France cost?
In November 2026, the ocean freight for a 40ft container from South China is about $3,600–4,100 to Le Havre and about $4,200–4,700 to Marseille-Fos. A 20ft container to Le Havre is about $2,100–2,600, and air freight is about $4.5–7 per kg for 100 kg or more. Rates change weekly, so we quote today’s price within 2 hours.
Should I ship to Le Havre or Marseille?
Le Havre is usually best for Paris and northern France, and Marseille-Fos for Lyon and the south. We compare both when the delivery address is in between.
Do I pay French import VAT at the border?
If you are registered for VAT in France, import VAT is declared in your VAT return (autoliquidation) rather than paid at clearance. Without a French VAT number, DDP lets us handle it for you.
Do my labels need to be in French?
Yes, for products sold to consumers in France. Instructions, warnings and warranty information must be in French.
What is an EPR number and do I need one?
France requires producers and sellers of many product types to register with an EPR scheme and show a unique identification number. Amazon.fr asks sellers for these numbers.
Related Services for France
- Sea Freight from China
- China–Europe Rail Freight
- DDP Shipping from China
- Amazon FBA Shipping
- Container Shipping Cost from China
- China–Europe Rail Freight Guide
- Shipping from China to Germany
- Shipping from China to Europe
- Shipping from China to the Netherlands
- Shipping from China to Italy
- Shipping from China to Spain
- Shipping from China to Poland
Shipping to France?
Send the product, volume and delivery address in France. We compare Le Havre, Marseille, rail and air and reply with prices.
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