International Parcel Delivery | Blog

Worldwide Shipping Packages to France

Written by Timothy Byrnes | February 19, 2017

Jet Worldwide has developed new delivery options to France from Canada and the USA for delivery in France and though ought the entire EU. With Brexit, companies are seeking new entry points for shipments to Europe. Canadian online sellers are searching for trackable low cost shipping options to France and European Union.

Canada and the EU have a long history of economic co-operation. The new European - Canadian trade agreement gives Quebec and Canadian companies easier access to EU's 28 countries with a CDG of over €13.0 trillion

Things to consider when shipping to France include:

  • Carrier options for shipping France from Canada
  • French customs processes and costs for importing parcels from Canada
  • French customs clearance for shipping personal effects to France
  • EORI and IOSS registration for shipping to France from Canada
  • French customs clearance of commercial samples to France
  • French customs clearance for gifts to France
  • Shipping personal effects to France from Canada
  • Shipping Shopify, and eBay e-commerce orders to France
  • CETA duty free clearance to France for Canada goods shipped to France
  • European distribution options via Jet

Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.

Canada Carriers for delivery to France

Sending Shipments to France via Canada Post / La Poste France

For individuals shipping small parcels to France, Canada post offers the lowest cost options (via their Small Packet service to France).

Shipping France from Canada Post small parcel packets

  • Canada Post small packet Surface to France, Air and "tracked packet"
  • Canada Post international parcel: Surface to France
  • Canada Post Xpresspost parcel to France: Delivery within 1 week

Shipping France from Canada via FedEx / UPS

Fedex and UPS are among Canada's largest carriers and, along with DHL, offer express delivery from Canada to France.

FedEx and UPS shipping options from Canada to France include:

  • International Priority air / Express: Delivery to Paris in 2 days
  • International Economy air: Delivery to France in 3-4 business days

Get a comparison Quote: Shipping France from Canada

Shipping France from Canada via Purolator Courier

Purolator is .a leading Canadian delivery company (owned by Canada Post). Purolator (much like Chronopost France) offers international delivery services via partners, such as UPS

Shipping Parcels, pallets and online orders to France via Jet Worldwide

  • Jet Worldwide: International shipping solutions from Canada for over 40 years.
  • Shipping between Canada and France for parcels, pallets and online orders.
  • Transparency plus expertise equals world class logistics support. 

Customs clearance processes for parcel shipping to France

The most common entry types for importing parcels into France are Standard and Simplified Clearance Procedures.

Simplified declaration clearance procedure for low value parcels:

Most parcels valued under €150, or commercial samples below €45 (~$60 CAD) are cleared using the Simplified clearance process duty free. But are subject to VAT. See section below on shipping online orders to France and read about prepaid VAT for online orders to Europe (and prepaid VAT for online orders to the UK).

Accompanying PDF:  Useful Presentation for Shipping to France

Parcels above the low value thresholds are cleared via either Standard or Simplified Clearance procedures.

Importer Registration for Clearance

France, like all EU countries, rely on a method for identifying importers called The EORI Scheme (Economic Operators Registration and Identification).

All businesses must provide their unique EORI number when importing goods from outside the EU.

Import Duty for Parcels to France from Canada

All parcels imported to France are subject to duty assessment.

With the free trade pact between Canada and Europe (CETA), Canadian origin goods will benefit from lower duty rates.

Duty Free status for Low Value Shipments

When sending a shipment to France, the following rules apply for most commodities/

  • A commercial shipment less than 150 Euros: Duty free but VAT is applied (20%)
  • A commercial shipment over €150: Duty VAT apply


Sending Personal Effects to France from Canada

Jet gets many inquiries for sending personal effects to France. French citizens returning to France from Canada are entitled to import their personal goods free of duty.

Personal belongings taken abroad, such as worn clothing, etc. may be shipped back to France and receive free entry provided they have not been altered or repaired while abroad and prior ownership can be proven for a period of 6 months or more.

When importing personal goods, the importer requires a complete list and value of the items including a notation of "French Personal Effects Being Returned," and copy of their passport. Items such as electronics and other articles that may be uniquely identifiable by permanently affixed marking or serial number should be documented on owner declaration at the Customs Office at the port of exit prior to leaving France. The declaration is valid for any future trips as long as the information on it remains legible.

Registration and clearance of personal goods must be made in person.

Shipping of excess baggage to France: It is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags are most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).

Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.

Shipping e-commerce orders to France and the EU

With an affinity for Canadian products, France’s online market is one of the world’s largest. Now more than ever, Canadian companies are looking for direct shipping, last-mile delivery, and clearance solutions for their shipping of e-commerce orders to France and the EU. VAT for online orders to France should be prepaid.

IOSS registration for our customers shipping to the EU

Here are a few things to consider when developing high-volume shipping solutions from Quebec and Canada to France and the EU:

  • Customers shipping goods valued under EUR 150 do not have to pay duty; however, the VAT still applies.
  • Goods shipped from Canada via France to the rest of the EU can be imported with a French VAT Number.
  • Jet Worldwide can assist North American companies in their development of direct shipping solutions to France and the EU.
  • Jet Worldwide can help Canadian companies set up fiscal representation in France to facilitate final formalities as needed.
  • Jet Worldwide can provide customers with a duties and taxes estimate in advance of shipping, enabling Canadian retailers to determine the import cost of their online orders.

Sending Commercial Samples to France:

Commercial Samples may qualify for duty free entry if:

  • they are valued under €45
  • they are for solicitation of orders of the same kind
  • there is not more than one sample of each type
  • the goods are supplied directly from abroad,
  • they must be marked in a manner which precludes their being used as other than samples.

To be considered for duty free status under this exemption, all the information mentioned must be noted on the shipping document.

Sending Gifts to France from Canada via courier

Unsolicited Gifts may be allowed to be imported free of duty and VAT providing the shipment is valued at less than 45 EURO and:

  • From a person to person (and a private address)
  • Items must be individually wrapped
  • Clearly note on customs paperwork that item is "unsolicited gift"

EORI Number for Imports to France from Canada

Before shipping from Canada to France it is important to verify the EORI number of the consignee.

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number) is an E.U. identification number for businesses (economic operator) which import or export of goods into or out of France to and from Canada.

While IOSS (see section above) facilitates clearance of e-commerce orders to European consumers, shipments to businesses require and EORI number as part of the data set required for customs entries.

The EORI number exists out of two parts:

  • the country code of the issuing Member State; followed by
  • a code or number that is unique in the Member State

Shipping to France from Canada duty free under CETA

Regarding duty free eligibility under CETA:

Country origin rules are associated with factors used to determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA. The good news for shippers is that CETA rules don’t require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is enough.

The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).

Required CETA country of origin declaration can include the following:

Jet has developed low cost economy parcel delivery to all the EU via our hub in Paris. From France, Jet provides low cost delivery for heavier parcels to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and through all EU countries.

Jet can arrange for efficient high volume parcel flows from Canada and the USA to the EU.

How can Jet Worldwide can help?

  • Warehousing in France
  • Low cost parcel delivery for online orders to the EU
  • Economical international courier delivery to France, Germany and the EU
  • Return Management / Reverse Logistics

In conclusion, shipping parcels to France from Canada involves various considerations such as customs clearance procedures, duty assessment, and regulations. Whether you are sending personal effects, commercial samples, gifts, or e-commerce orders, understand the requirements and processes.

Jet Worldwide offers comprehensive international shipping solutions, including warehousing in France, low-cost parcel delivery, and return management services. For a seamless shipping experience between Canada and France, reach out to Jet Worldwide for expert support and competitive pricing.

Getting quote for shipping between and Canada and France

Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between Canada and France for parcels pallets, and online orders.