Shipping from China to France
Shipping from China to France runs through Le Havre (the Paris gateway) or Marseille in the south — about 28–38 days by sea. LCL runs $50–90 per CBM and 20ft containers start around $2,000–3,100. Air freight takes 3–6 days at $3.50–8.00 per kg into Paris CDG; China–Europe rail via Duisburg is the middle option at 18–30 days.
DDP shipping from China to France covers pickup, freight, EU customs clearance (duty 0–12% by HS code plus French VAT at 20%) and door delivery anywhere in France — one all-in price, every fee itemized in writing.
Sea freight from China to France
| Route | Transit | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen/Guangzhou → Le Havre | 28–38 days | 20ft from ~$2,000 · 40HQ from ~$3,000 |
| LCL (any origin → French hubs) | 28–38 days | $50–90 per CBM |
| Rail: China → Duisburg → France | 18–30 days | Ask for current rail rates |
Reference ranges checked September 2026 — live rates change weekly; ask for today’s price. LCL figures are ocean base — destination CFS adds $30–60/CBM on most lanes (listed in every quote we send).
Air freight from China to France
Air freight to France runs 3–6 days at roughly $3.50–8.00 per chargeable kg into Paris CDG or Lyon — remember chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight or CBM × 167.
DDP door-to-door to France
One all-in price covering pickup in China, freight, customs clearance, duties and final delivery — properly declared, no creative customs.
- Step 1 · Pickup in China
We collect from your supplier, inspect, and consolidate at our Ningbo warehouse.
- Step 2 · Export & freight
Export declaration, loading, and the route you chose — documents shared at every step.
- Step 3 · Customs clearance
Our destination partner clears the shipment and pays duties properly — correct values, real declarations.
- Step 4 · Final delivery
To your door, warehouse, or FBA center — with tracking that works the whole way.
DDP reference: sea ≈ $4–6/kg · air ≈ $7.5–9/kg
Customs in France — what to know
EU import VAT 20% (on goods + freight + duty), duty 0–12% by HS code. Main port: Le Havre (Paris gateway); Marseille for the south. Rail via Duisburg is a viable middle option, trucked into France.
FAQ — China to France
+How does French import VAT work?
EU import VAT is 20% calculated on goods + freight + duty. Under DDP we clear and pay it; VAT-registered businesses recover it as input tax, and we provide the complete documentation pack for your accountant.
+Le Havre or Marseille for my goods?
Le Havre serves Paris and the north; Marseille suits the south and Mediterranean. Under DDP door delivery, port choice is our routing decision — you just get a date.
+Is rail from China realistic for France?
Yes — 18–30 days via Duisburg then trucked into France, priced between sea and air. Popular for electronics and mid-value goods where sea is too slow and air too dear.