With France and England's shared history and close proximity, it's unsurprising that the French market appeals to UK cross-border traders. Despite the language difference, our population size and economies share many commonalities.
It's projected that B2C e-commerce in France will be worth EUR 115.2 billion in 2020, making it a lucrative destination for UK based businesses looking to expand their market share. But how easy is it to ship goods across the channel?
Restrictions when shipping to France
All countries have specific restrictions when it comes to what may enter their territory.
These controls are put in place to protect the region's environment, economy, and people. Items that are deemed hazardous or require regulation may have a lengthy and difficult shipping process that requires the sender to fulfil certain criteria, not only in regards to how items are packaged and transported but also in ensuring that the goods have the relevant accompanying paperwork and comply with specifications and standards set out by the French authorities.
On the other hand, prohibited items may not be considered for shipment into the country at all. As a cross-border trader, you're more likely to be concerned with how restrictions will affect your shipment and what you will need to do in order to obtain clearance for the items concerned.
List of restricted items for France
- Agricultural products, such as grains and cheese.
- Dual-use goods such as software, computers, machines, and machine parts.
- Biological reagents
- Artwork
- Antiques
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) goods
- Non-Perishable Food
- Drugs, Prescription and Non-Prescription
- Cosmetics
- Textiles
- Alcohol products
It's essential to check that the goods you're planning to send meet the necessary conditions, or they will be refused by the carrier.
Why choose Asendia when shipping to France?
When choosing a logistics partner for your e-commerce brand, selecting an experienced and reliable courier company is essential. Asendia is jointly owned by La Poste, the national postal operator for France. We're trusted and recognised in the French market, enabling us to provide an added layer of assurance when consumers purchase from your UK based business.
We understand the demands of the French market and offer a reliable service that your buyers already love. When sending items that fall into the restricted category, you can trust our expert team to guide you through the shipping process and ensure that your goods are delivered without any obstacles or delays.
Speak to us today if you'd like to receive a quote or further information about our delivery services between the UK and France.
