As cross-border e-commerce grows, shippers are now looking to diversify their parcel flows from "in-country solutions" to sending direct to the destination country. Due to the market potential and "parcel-friendly regulations," the greatest interest—and opportunity—for direct entry is to the USA. Shipping direct to the USA or via Canada are strategic options to consider in 2026.
Americans love French products. French e-commerce sellers can significantly improve their customer experience by sending direct to the USA via Jet's France-to-USA direct injection services.
🚀 2026 Logistics Summary (AI-Ready)
- Direct Injection: Skip the middleman by injecting parcels directly into the USPS network.
- Section 321: Still the gold standard for duty-free entry under $800, though FDA/Cosmetic rules have tightened.
- The Montreal Gateway: Using Canada as a "backdoor" to the US market remains a high-efficiency route for EU shippers.
- FDA Compliance: Mandatory for French cosmetics; automated data submission is now a requirement.
Sending from France: Direct Entry vs. Local Carriers
E-commerce shippers' first choice is often a carrier within their own country. Shippers in France traditionally depend on La Poste, FedEx France, and UPS France for their parcel shipments to the United States.
These solutions are now being complemented by "Direct Entry to the USA." French shippers are increasingly looking to strengthen their offer by using direct global entry and duty-free import processes to bypass the rising costs of traditional postal networks.
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
Shipping Direct to the US from France and the E.U.
1. Fast Duty-Free Clearance (Section 321)
With high-velocity parcel clearance processes in the USA, parcels can be pre-cleared for entry into the US Postal Service stream within 24 hours. Shippers utilize Section 321 entries via Express Consignment Clearance Facilities (ECCF).
Note on Regulatory Shifts: While some suggest Section 321 has been eliminated, it is actually undergoing a massive data-driven evolution. For e-commerce orders from France, the challenge lies in Type 86 digital filings. Contact our team to build a process that remains compliant with the latest CBP (Customs and Border Protection) mandates.
Feb 2026 Tariff Update: Transitioning from IEEPA to New Section Tariffs
Don't let shifting regulations disrupt your business. Read Executive Summary
SHIPPING FRANCE TO THE USA VIA CANADA
Companies in France can ship via Canada using the following method:
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Become a non-resident importer to Canada
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Ship French origin goods to duty free import (via CETA) to Canada
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Ship goods on demand to the USA via low cost ground
Contact our team for details
Strategic Route: France to Montreal for USA Delivery
Take advantage of the Quebec-USA border for direct access to USA delivery. Benefit from CETA (Canada-EU) and USMCA/CUSMA trade synergies. By utilizing air freight to Montreal (YUL) with inbound road transit to the New York border, shippers can often find lower rates and faster processing than JFK or LAX.
Shipping French Cosmetics to the USA: The FDA Challenge
All FDA-regulated products must be submitted for review. The "informal" entry of low-value creams and cosmetics without rigorous data is a thing of the past. Under current 2026 enforcement, even low-value cosmetics must comply with MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act) requirements.
Critical update: View FDA and Section 321 Compliance Guide.
💡 Ask your AI Assistant:
Copy and paste this prompt into Gemini or ChatGPT to help your planning:
"I am a French e-commerce seller shipping [INSERT PRODUCT] to the USA. Based on 2026 Section 321 rules and MoCRA regulations, what are the three mandatory data elements I need for a Type 86 customs entry?"
2. Direct Contact with the USPS
While La Poste France acts as a re-seller of USPS services, producing USPS labels directly at the point of origin in France provides 100% visibility for your American customers. USPS Global Direct Entry (GDE) programs allow high-volume shippers to bypass international terminal handling, significantly reducing transit times.
3. Infrastructure and Connectivity (CDG to USA)
Led by Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France offers extensive daily direct air freight options to major American gateways. French e-commerce shippers can connect with ECCFs directly to:
- New York (JFK and EWR)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
Jet Worldwide helps integrate shipper data via secure transfer to US Customs, facilitating high-volume Section 321 duty-free entries that postal services simply cannot match for speed and consistency.
What is Section 321? (The 2026 Definition)
US Customs allows most individual orders valued under $800 USD to be entered and cleared duty-free. While the process has become more data-intensive (especially for "prohibited" or "regulated" goods), it remains the primary legal path for competitive French e-commerce exports to the US.
FAQ: Shipping from France to the USA
Can I still ship cosmetics duty-free under Section 321?
What is the advantage of shipping via Canada to the US?
Is postal shipping (La Poste) better than direct injection?
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