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Import & Shipping Cost from France to Germany | Free Calculator 2026

An EU import from France starts before your goods leave the factory: you need an EORI number, the right Incoterm, and — for B2C parcels under €150 — an IOSS registration if you want to avoid surprising your customers at the door. This guide maps the France-to-Germany process end to end, with the fees and timelines attached to each step.

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Read our country-specific import guides

Worked Example: 5,200 EUR Electronics Order from France

Worked example for a Germany retailer: 5,200 EUR of electronics from France. Sea freight via Rotterdam: 420 EUR. Insurance: 26 EUR. EU duty at 3.5%: 180 EUR. Clearance and handling: 160 EUR. Germany VAT on the duty-paid value: roughly 1,100-1,200 EUR. Total landed: just over 7,100 EUR — about 40% above the invoice price, which is typical for EU-bound electronics.

EU Paperwork You Cannot Skip: EORI, IOSS and More

Before your first EU shipment, get an EORI number — one registration covers all 27 member states. For B2C orders under 150 EUR, register for IOSS to collect VAT at checkout and avoid per-parcel clearance fees at the border. Above that threshold, a customs broker and a VAT-registered fiscal representative become part of the process for non-EU sellers.

Transit Times and Main Gateways for France Shipments

For sea freight from France to Northern Europe, the Suez routing via Rotterdam or Hamburg is standard, with Felixstowe serving the UK. Sea freight typically 15-28 days. Air freight 3-7 days depending on the route. Transit times run 20-30 days for LCL, and Rotterdam is the recommended gateway for first-time EU importers because of its flexible clearance and warehousing options.

Estimating Your EU Import Costs with the Calculator

The calculator above is pre-loaded with the France to Germany route: it applies the correct CET band for your HS code, the Germany VAT rate, and lane-based shipping estimates. Change any input and the full breakdown recalculates — including the de minimis case for shipments below the VAT threshold.

What It Really Costs to Import from France into the EU

Importing into the EU from France stacks two tax layers: the common external tariff (CET, 0-17% by HS code) plus the destination country's VAT, which ranges from 19% to 27% depending on the member state. Germany applies its own rate, and the calculator selects it automatically when you choose the destination.

More Routes from France

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France → United Kingdom

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Disclaimer

Duty rates, shipping costs, and VAT rates are estimates for reference only. Actual costs depend on specific HS code classification, current carrier rates, fuel surcharges, exchange rates, and country-specific customs regulations. Consult a licensed customs broker for accurate quotes.

Rates last updated September 2026. Sources: national customs authorities, EU TARIC, and official tariff schedules. Verify with your customs broker before shipping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the landed cost include when buying from France?
Think of it as the price at your warehouse, not the price at the factory. For France to Germany, that means product price plus freight, insurance, duty, clearance, and final delivery. The gap between the two is usually 20-40% — which is why the itemized breakdown in the calculator matters.
What are the import duties and taxes from France to Germany?
Import duties from France to Germany depend on the product's HS code and its value. France and Germany trade under standard WTO most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rates. Typical duty rates range from 0-17%; EU common external tariff applies + VAT (19%). Value-added tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) may also apply at the destination. The calculator on this site automatically estimates duties for your shipment.
How long does sea and air freight take from France to Germany?
Transit depends on method and routing: Sea freight typically 15-28 days. Air freight 3-7 days depending on the route. Sea freight is the slow but economical choice; air freight trades cost for speed. Add 2-5 days on either end for pickup, loading, and customs release when planning your timeline.
Where does cargo from France enter Germany?
The standard gateways for this lane are Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk, Fos-sur-Mer → Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven. Beyond the main pair, alternate ports may offer faster clearance or cheaper handling depending on the season. Ask your forwarder for a gateway recommendation based on your final delivery address.
Are there any trade agreements between France and Germany that reduce duties?
France and Germany trade under standard WTO most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rates. If a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) exists, your goods may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates provided you have a valid Certificate of Origin.
Do I need IOSS or an EORI number for EU shipments from France?
It depends on the buyer. For B2C orders under 150 EUR, registering for IOSS lets you collect VAT at checkout and avoids per-parcel clearance fees. For B2B shipments (or B2C above 150 EUR), the importer needs an EORI number — one registration covers all 27 member states. France and Germany trade under standard WTO most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rates. Your 0-17%; EU common external tariff applies + VAT (19%) applies at the border; VAT is charged on the duty-paid value at the Germany rate.