For Canadian retailers, France represents a premium gateway to Europe. However, 2026 marks the biggest shift in EU customs since the introduction of IOSS. From the abolishment of the €150 duty threshold to AI-driven "clean transport corridors," the rules of the game have changed.
Historically, parcels valued under €150 entered France duty-free. As of July 1, 2026, that exemption is gone. Here is what Canadian e-commerce sellers must prepare for:
To replace the complex tariff system for small parcels, the EU has introduced a €3 flat-rate customs duty per item for shipments under €150, provided you are registered via the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS).
In addition to EU-wide duties, France’s 2026 Finance Bill introduces a €2 customs handling fee per parcel for imports from non-EU countries (Nov 2026). This makes Consolidation—grouping multiple orders into one Master Airway Bill—no longer just a "pro tip," but a financial necessity to maintain margins.
See if your goods qualify for CETA duty free import to Europe. Read about Canada's Free Trade Agreements.
Google and other search engines now prioritize "Information Gain." In 2026, AI isn't just a backend tool; it's a front-end competitive advantage for your SEO and your operations.
High cart abandonment in France is often due to surprise "Postman Fees." By using AI-driven tax engines, Canadian sellers can now predict duties and the new €2 French handling fee with 99% accuracy at checkout. Search engines reward sites that provide this level of UX transparency with higher rankings.
Montreal remains the primary bridge for French-Canadian trade. Leveraging Predictive Analytics, Jet Worldwide helps shippers anticipate strikes or weather-related delays at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) by rerouting via secondary hubs like Lyon or Marseille before the delay even occurs.
To rank in 2026, your product descriptions must be "LLM-Ready." Use clear HS Code identifiers and technical specifications that AI agents (like Gemini or Perplexity) can crawl to recommend your products to French buyers.
Despite the new flat-rate duties, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) remains a powerful tool. For goods of Canadian origin, duty-free entry is possible. AI-automated documentation ensures the "Statement of Origin" is correctly applied to every shipment, bypassing the €3 simplified duty entirely for qualified products.
With 2026 sustainability mandates, shipping perishables on dry ice from Montreal to France requires precision. We utilize Real-time IoT Monitoring to track temperature and CO2 venting compliance, ensuring your artisanal Canadian products arrive in perfect condition at a French bistro or doorstep.
Don't let the new €150 threshold rules catch you off guard. From IOSS registration to Montreal-based consolidation, Jet Worldwide is your bridge to France.
Disclaimer: Logistics regulations are subject to change. This guide reflects 2026 Finance Bill proposals and EU Customs Reform updates as of February 2026.