Importing from China to France: 2026 Guide & Real Costs
Introduction: the China-France route in numbers
China is France's largest non-EU supplier, with over EUR 63 billion in imports in 2025. This guide walks you through every step, with real 2026 costs for each line item.
Step 1: Sourcing and supplier selection
Where to find suppliers?
- Alibaba / Made-in-China / Global Sources: prefer "Gold Supplier" or "Verified" with 3+ years
- Canton Fair: world's largest trade fair, 2 sessions per year
- Sourcing agents: cost 3-8% of order value
Essential due diligence
- Request 2-3 samples before ordering
- Verify the supplier's export license
- Factory audit if order exceeds EUR 10,000
- Negotiate FOB Incoterm to keep control of freight
Step 2: Ordering and payment
| Method | How it works | Cost | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| T/T wire transfer | 30% deposit + 70% before shipment | EUR 20-40 | Medium |
| Letter of Credit | Bank guarantees payment | 0.5-2% | High |
| Trade Assurance | Platform payment | 3-5% | High |
| Western Union | Fast transfer | Variable | Low (avoid) |
Step 3: Production and quality control
Production timelines: stock (3-7 days), OEM (15-45 days), ODM (30-60 days). Arrange a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): EUR 250-400 per man-day.
Step 4: Shipping and freight
| Criteria | Sea | Air | Rail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit time | 28-35 days | 3-5 days | 14-18 days |
| Cost (1,000 kg) | EUR 0.10-0.25/kg | EUR 3.50-6.00/kg | EUR 0.40-0.80/kg |
| Best for | Volume, heavy | Urgent, high value | Time/cost balance |
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Required documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Customs declaration (SAD)
- CE conformity certificate
- Phytosanitary certificate (if applicable)
- REACH attestation (if applicable)
Step 6: Detailed costs — 1,000 pairs of sneakers
| Item | Detail | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| FOB price | 1,000 x EUR 12 | 12,000.00 |
| Sea freight LCL | 5 cbm x EUR 75 | 375.00 |
| Surcharges + insurance | BAF + 0.5% | 147.30 |
| CIF Value | 12,522.30 | |
| Customs duty (16.9%) | 2,116.27 | |
| Import VAT (20%) | 2,927.71 | |
| Clearance + THC + inland + PSI + bank | 1,020.00 | |
| TOTAL LANDED COST | 18,586.28 |
The unit landed cost is EUR 18.59 per pair, versus FOB EUR 12. Total charges: 55% of FOB. See our landed cost guide for the full methodology.
Most common pitfalls
- Underestimating customs duties: footwear is heavily taxed (8-17%).
- Ignoring CE marking: customs blocks goods without it.
- Demurrage: EUR 50-150/day after free days.
- Unreliable supplier: always verify and inspect.
- Forgetting REACH: severe penalties for non-compliance.
- No certificate of origin: check GSP eligibility for China.
- Paying via Western Union: no protection. Use T/T or L/C.
Complete import timeline
| Phase | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiation + samples | 7-14 days | D+14 |
| Order + deposit | 2-3 days | D+17 |
| Production | 15-45 days | D+62 |
| Inspection + payment | 3-5 days | D+67 |
| Sea transit | 28-35 days | D+105 |
| Customs clearance | 2-5 days | D+110 |
| Delivery to warehouse | 1-2 days | D+112 |
Total: about 3.5 to 4 months from first contact to warehouse reception.
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Simulate my import →Conclusion
Importing from China to France is accessible but demands rigor. The keys: a good supplier, reliable forwarder, correct classification, and accurate landed cost calculation before ordering.
The biggest risk is underestimating the total cost and discovering insufficient margin after the fact.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a container from China to France cost?+
In 2026, a 40' FCL from Shanghai to Le Havre costs USD 2,200-3,500 depending on season. LCL: USD 55-85 per cbm. Air: USD 3.50-6.00/kg.
What documents do I need to import from China?+
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin, customs declaration (SAD), CE conformity certificate, and potentially phytosanitary certificate or REACH attestation.
How long does it take to import from China to France?+
By sea: 28-35 days transit + 3-5 days clearance. By air: 3-5 days + 1-2 days. By rail: 14-18 days + 3-5 days. Add 5-15 days for production.
Do I need an EORI number?+
Yes, absolutely. EORI is mandatory for any EU import/export operation. Free, obtained in 1-3 business days.
Can I import without a freight forwarder?+
Technically yes, but strongly discouraged. A forwarder handles freight, clearance, and logistics. Essential for first imports.
Thomas Delaunay
Thomas focuses on landed-cost modeling and forwarder benchmarking. Previously a procurement lead at a mid-cap industrial importer, he builds the cost intelligence that powers TRADE-COST calculations.
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