Shipping and customs checklists

This page brings together practical, ready-to-use checklists for anyone moving goods into, out of or across France — whether you ship a handful of parcels a month or manage recurring pallet freight. Use them to prepare shipments correctly the first time, keep customs paperwork clean, and avoid the delays, storage fees and reroutes that come from missing documents or mislabelled cargo.

Shipment preparation checklist

Confirm the agreed Incoterm (e.g. DAP, EXW, FCA) in writing so you and the buyer know exactly who pays freight, insurance and duties at each stage.
Weigh and measure every package, then calculate volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000) — carriers bill on whichever is higher.
Match packaging to the goods: double-wall cartons for heavier items, corner protectors and shrink-wrap for palletised loads, and moisture barriers for anything sensitive.
Label each package with sender, recipient, package number (e.g. 1 of 3) and any handling marks such as 'Fragile' or 'This way up'.
Attach a packing list that itemises contents, quantities and values so warehouse and customs staff can verify without opening the load.
Confirm delivery access: opening hours, whether a tail-lift or forklift is needed, and any restrictions on truck size at the destination address.
Book the collection slot and share a reference number with your warehouse or sender so the driver is not turned away.
Photograph the sealed, labelled shipment before handover as proof of condition in case of a damage claim.

Customs documentation checklist

Prepare a commercial invoice showing seller, buyer, full item descriptions, quantities, unit values, currency and the agreed Incoterm.
Assign the correct HS commodity code (Harmonised System) to each product line — this drives the duty rate and any restrictions.
State the country of origin for each item and keep any origin proof, such as an EUR.1 certificate, if a trade agreement lowers your duty.
Check whether your goods need licences or fall under restrictions (food, cosmetics, electronics, dual-use items) before they ship.
Confirm you have a valid EORI number for any import or export outside the EU — France requires it for the customs declaration.
Include the packing list and transport document (CMR for road, air waybill or bill of lading) so declared and physical goods reconcile.
Decide who lodges the declaration: your freight forwarder, a customs broker or yourself, and give them the paperwork in advance.
Keep copies of all documents for at least the retention period required for VAT and customs audits.

Quick reference

Volumetric weight formula (road/courier standard): length × width × height in cm divided by 5000.
Intra-EU shipments between France and other member states have no customs declaration, but you still track them via Intrastat if you cross the reporting threshold.
An EORI number is mandatory for businesses declaring goods to customs when trading outside the EU.
The CMR consignment note is the standard contract of carriage for international road freight and travels with the goods.
Common Incoterms range from EXW (buyer handles everything) to DDP (seller delivers duty-paid) — the choice decides who bears cost and risk at each point.
The commercial invoice value and HS code together determine the customs duty and import VAT applied at the border.

What documents do I always need to ship goods abroad?

At a minimum you need a commercial invoice, a packing list and a transport document (CMR, air waybill or bill of lading). For shipments outside the EU you also need an EORI number and correct HS codes, plus any licences or origin certificates specific to your products.

How is freight cost calculated — by weight or size?

Carriers charge on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. A light but bulky load can cost more than a small heavy one, so always compare both figures using the length × width × height ÷ 5000 formula before booking.

Do I need customs paperwork to ship within France or the EU?

No customs declaration is required for movements between France and other EU member states because they are in the same customs union. You may, however, have to submit Intrastat statistical reports once your intra-EU trade passes the reporting threshold.

Which Incoterm should I choose?

It depends on how much responsibility you want to carry. EXW puts all cost and risk on the buyer from the seller's door, while DDP puts almost everything on the seller including duties. Terms like FCA and DAP sit in between and are common for balanced arrangements — agree it clearly before shipping.

What causes most customs delays?

The frequent culprits are incomplete or inconsistent invoices, wrong or missing HS codes, undervalued goods, and missing licences for restricted items. Getting the commercial invoice, packing list and codes right up front prevents most hold-ups.

Can I handle customs myself or should I use a broker?

Occasional or simple shipments can often be self-declared, but a freight forwarder or customs broker is worth it for regular flows, restricted goods or complex origin rules. They lodge the declaration, apply the right classifications and reduce the risk of penalties.

Guides

Freight forwarding basics: how goods move

Understand what a freight forwarder does, how road, sea and air freight work, and how to plan a reliable shipment from France.

Customs paperwork explained

A clear guide to the customs documents needed for imports and exports in France, from commercial invoices to declarations.

Warehousing fundamentals

Learn how warehousing works, from storage and inventory to picking and packing, and when it fits your logistics plan.

Last-mile delivery explained

Understand the last-mile delivery stage, common challenges and how to plan reliable final-leg deliveries in France.

Incoterms explained

A plain-language guide to Incoterms, who pays for what, and how they affect responsibility and risk in freight shipments.

How to choose a freight forwarder

Key questions and criteria for choosing a reliable freight forwarder for your shipments to and from France.

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