Sending a parcel to France

How long does it take to send a parcel to France?

It depends on which postal provider you use, and which service you buy. Our fastest services aim to deliver to French addresses within 3-4 working days.

Which items can't I send to France?

Before sending items to France, it's crucial to be aware of goods that are prohibited or restricted. While the Universal Postal Union (UPU) provides detailed lists, here's a summary of common items you cannot send:

Prohibited items:

• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Explosive materials
• Hazardous chemicals
• Counterfeit goods
• Certain animal products

Restricted items:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Perishable goods
• Plants and seeds

For a comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted items, refer to the French Customs website. Please ensure that what you are sending also complies with Royal Mails prohibition and restrictions list.

Please note:

Specific Country restrictions and changes may be enforced at short notice, so far any clarification please contact the destination country's trade, postal and customs authorities as appropriate. Royal Mail has no control over UPU and Country specific restrictions regarding prohibited and restricted items and it is your responsibility to check whether your items are allowed.

French customs declarations and requirements

When sending goods, gifts and items of value to France, full and accurate customs documentation is essential.

You must complete a customs declaration form (CN22 (pdf, 513.11 KB) or CN23 (pdf, 227.98 KB)), depending on the value and type of your parcel. This form provides details about the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment.

These forms are provided by the Post Office, or can be filled in online when you buy postage with us.

The information you need to give includes the recipient's telephone number or email address to facilitate customs clearance and ensures a smoother delivery. La Poste may contact recipients for any applicable charges if this isn't done properly.

For more information on how to send goods to the EU, please read our dedicated page on Import One Stop Shop (IOSS).

If you are a business customer sending goods, gifts and items of value sent B-B or above the de minimis level for Duty, we offer a Postal Delivery Duties Paid Solution (PDDP) to a limited, but growing list of destinations.

French VAT charges for senders and recipients

• If you are sending a gift or a personal item: No VAT is charged in the UK, but the recipient in France may need to pay import VAT or duties if the value exceeds the gift threshold (€45).
• If you are selling goods (business sender): You may charge VAT at the point of sale and include your VAT number on the customs declaration. France may also impose additional VAT or duties on the recipient based on the value of the goods.
• Goods may be sent via our DDU, IOSS or PDDP services to France.

All goods imported into France from non-EU countries are subject to VAT. For items valued over €150, customs duties may also apply. For detailed information, visit the French Customs Authorities Website.

Please note that VAT rates in France may vary depending on service chosen:

• DDU: 20%: Recipient to pay
• PDDP: 20%: Seller to pay
• If VAT/duties are due, the French customs authority or the recipient's local postal service (e.g. La Poste) will collect these charges from the recipient before delivery.

You can avoid delays and inconveniencing your recipient by buying postage online where you may input your IOSS/Pre-Registration Scheme number.

Addressing mail to France

Proper addressing ensures timely delivery and avoids any delays when it comes to getting your parcel to the right person. Ensure you follow this format:

• Recipients Name
• Street Address
• Postcode and City
• FRANCE

Example:

Mme. Marie Dupont

10 Rue de la Paix

75002 Paris

FRANCE

Make sure the postcode comes before the city name, and 'FRANCE' is in capital letters on the last line.

Packaging and size guidelines for sending parcels to France

• Ensure your items meet size and weight restrictions:
• Letters: Max weight 100g; dimensions up to 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm.
• Large Letters: Max weight 750g; dimensions up to 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm.
• Parcels: Max weight 2kg; length plus width plus height no greater than 90cm, with no single side longer than 60cm.

French holidays which may cause postal delays

Be mindful of French public holidays, as they may affect delivery times:

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Bastille Day: July 14
• All Saints' Day: November 1
• Christmas Day: December 25

For a complete list, here's a list of yearly Public Holidays in France.