The comprehensive manual for clearing customs while reducing risks and costs.
5AM Logistics, freight forwarder and overseas forwarder, guides you step by step to secure your imports from China
Every day, hundreds of containers arrive from China at the ports of Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer. For many importers (whether individuals buying on Alibaba or professionals), this is the moment of stress: "Your container has arrived, please proceed with the formalities".
However, in both CFR and CIF, the seller pays the freight (and the minimum insurance in CIF), but on arrival in France, it's up to you to manage customs clearance, taxes, port charges and final delivery. If you don't plan ahead, the container may get stuck and generate costs.
5AMLogistics (forwarding agent, overseas freight forwarder) assists importers in this situation every week. Here's the practical guide.
1- CFR and CIF: what are the real differences for you?
These terms define the responsibilities between buyer and seller.
Importing products from China to France is a complex task. It requires a thorough knowledge of incoterms, in particular CFR and CIF, which are frequently offered by sellers on platforms such as Alibaba.
It is essential to assess the additional costs that may arise when importing. Poor management of customs formalities can lead to significant delays and penalties. It is also advisable to find out about the various logistics service providers to optimize the process. Finally, establishing clear communication with the seller can help avoid misunderstandings about who is responsible for what.
- CFR (Cost and Freight): the seller pays the sea freight to the French port, while the risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded in China.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): idem, with minimum insurance underwritten by the seller (often insufficient to cover all risks).
In both cases, on arrival in Le Havre or Fos, you take over: customs, VAT, port charges, inland transport, additional insurance if required.
Many importers believe that the seller remains liable until the goods arrive in France. But this is a common mistake: under both CFR and CIF, the risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of shipment in China.
Checklist when your container arrives
When your goods arrive at the port of Le Havre or Fos-sur-Mer, there are several steps to take. Customs clearance is one of the first. Before your goods arrive at the port, it's essential to prepare well to avoid costly delays. If you don't plan ahead, your goods could be held up for days or weeks, so make sure you have :
- Notice of arrival from carrier
- Original bill of lading (B/L) or telex release
- Commercial invoice with HS codes and exact values
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin (if required)
- Product conformity (CE, test reports, French instructions, DoC if applicable)
- Valid EORI number
- Signed customs mandate if you are commissioning a forwarding agent (RDE)
5AM tip: don't wait until your goods have been unloaded to find a forwarder. Send him the necessary documents before the ship arrives to start the customs process and avoid demurrage charges.
2 - Customs clearance of goods in France: a key step to successful imports
Import customs clearance is an essential phase when a container or cargo arrives in France, whether at the port of Le Havre, Fos-sur-Mer or an international airport.
Without serious preparation, your goods risk being held up for several days and generating unforeseen costs(demurrage, fines, storage).
The first step is to gather all the mandatory customs documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin, CE certificates, etc. Without this complete documentary package, your goods simply cannot cross the border. Without this complete documentary package, your goods simply cannot cross the border.
Next, it's crucial to declare your products accurately. Each good must be correctly classified according to its HS (Harmonized System) code, and accompanied by a clear description. A simple error in coding can lead to fines, delays and additional checks.
To secure your operations, working with a customs broker or RDE forwarder is highly recommended.
At 5AM Logistics, we support our customers at every stage of customs clearance:
- Preparation and filing of import declarations,
- Verification of documentary compliance,
- Management of exchanges with customs services,
- Optimization of customs duties and import VAT.
💡 The result: smooth customs clearance, precious time savings and imports that comply with French and European regulations.
The role of the Registered Customs Representative (RRC)? to lodge the import declaration (SAD), monitor controls (documentary and/or physical) and calculate customs duties + VAT.
- Usual lead times: 24-48 h with complete file.
- May be extended in the event of checks, misclassification or missing documents.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Underestimated values
- HS codes, incorrect Taric code
- Inconsistencies between invoice, B/L and packaging
- Forgotten proof of conformity (CE, tests, FR instructions)
It's a good idea to enlist the help of experts. They have in-depth knowledge of customs regulations in the European Union and can make a real difference. They'll help you navigate the administrative complexities with ease.
3 - Additional costs and charges on arrival at port
Port charges represent one of the main cost categories. They include unloading, temporary storage and various port services. The ports of Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer apply their own fee schedules, in addition to the specific rates set by each shipping line.
In addition to port charges, customs duties must be taken into account, the amount of which varies according to the nature of the imported goods. Incorrect tariff classification can result in additional costs.
In addition to port charges and customs duties, there are also consumption taxes, such as VAT. In France, VAT applies when goods are offered for sale. For businesses, since January 2022, VAT is self-assessed: they declare it directly in their accounts, without paying it to customs. On the other hand, private individuals must pay it immediately when their purchases clear customs.
Get your free quote now with 5AM Logistics! Our team prepares all the paperwork for you before the ship arrives, for fast, stress-free customs clearance and no unpleasant surprises.
⚠️ Beware of customs inspections
Customs may decide to carry out a physical inspection of the goods. In this case, all related costs - inspection, additional handling, storage - are charged in full to the importer.
That's why it's crucial to :
- Prepare the documentary package carefully, to avoid any inconsistencies that might attract the attention of customs.
- Be accompanied by an expert, able to limit the risk of a physical inspection.
In fact, an unanticipated inspection is very costly, and can quickly explode your import budget.
4 - Post-port transport: delivering your goods to their final destination
Road transport: flexibility first
Road transport is preferred in most cases:
- Ideal for short and medium distances,
- Flexible schedules and delivery points,
- Suitable for pallets, bundles and full containers.
At 5AM Logistics, we work with a network of certified road hauliers, capable of ensuring rapid deliveries throughout France and Europe.
Rail transport: the competitive option for large volumes
The rail is particularly suitable for :
- Heavy and bulky goods,
- Medium to long-distance trips,
- Importers wishing to reduce their carbon footprint.
Thanks to intermodal terminals close to major French ports, you can transfer your containers directly onto railcars, for an economical and sustainable solution.
River transport: the green and economical alternative
If your warehouse or site is located near a navigable river or canal, river transport can reduce your costs and your environmental footprint.
- Ideal for non-urgent goods,
- High capacity for large batches,
- Less road congestion.
The ports of Le Havre and Fos are linked to a vast network of inland waterways, enabling transport to the Île-de-France region and beyond.
No matter which mode you choose, 5AM Logistics takes care of the complete coordination: container collection from the terminal, customs management, booking of delivery slots and real-time tracking to your warehouse, store or home.
5 - What are the reasons for choosing 5AM Logistics to manage your operations (forwarding agent, freight forwarder)?
Importing without a freight forwarder means running the risk of your goods being held up, resulting in delays and additional costs.
As a freight forwarder and forwarding agent, 5AM Logistics provides you with complete import expertise:
- ✅ Customs declaration filed on time: your files are processed upstream to avoid blockages.
- ✅ Anticipated and managed controls: we prepare your documents to reduce the risk of in-depth control.
- ✅ Cost transparency: you know in advance your real costs (THC, customs, VAT, delivery), with no nasty surprises.
- ✅ Delivery orchestrated from A to Z: we coordinate shipowner, port, carrier and warehouse for total fluidity.
- ✅ Enhanced safety: assistance with cargo insurance and verification of product conformity (CE, notices, tests).
- ✅ Reactivity: emergency management, release of blocked containers, optimization of lead times to limit demurrage.
Our experts ensure that every stage of the import process is managed efficiently and compliantly. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of customs regulations and best logistics practices, we minimize risk and optimize transit time. When you call on 5AM Logistics, you benefit from a reliable partner who works to keep your supply chain running smoothly. As a result, you can concentrate on your core business and rest assured that your goods are in safe hands.
With 5AM Logistics, your imports from China are no longer a source of anxiety: they become a smooth, secure and profitable operation.
Your logistics project deserves our full attention
- You've found a supplier and want to check the conformity of your products? Let us know!
- You have an idea for a project, but it's not yet well defined? Let's talk about it together.
- Not sure which Incoterm is best for you? We can help.
- Your goods are stuck in customs and it's taking too long to explain on a form? No problem, just give us a call 03 29 29 32 66
Whether you need sea, air or road transport, or customs formalities, our team is at your service.
Simply fill in the form below, specifying your requirements.
AT 5AM LOGISTICS, PROXIMITY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Whether you need sea, air or road transport, or customs formalities, our team is at your service. Simply fill in the form below, specifying your requirements.
Your logistics project deserves our full attention
- You've found a supplier and want to check the conformity of your products? Let us know!
- You have an idea for a project, but it's not yet well defined? Let's talk about it together.
- Not sure which Incoterm is best for you? We can help.
- Your goods are stuck in customs and it's taking too long to explain on a form? No problem, just let us know.
Whether you need sea, air or road transport, or customs formalities, our team is at your service.
Simply fill in the form below, specifying your requirements.
Even with little information, we can help you find the best solution.
AT 5AM LOGISTICS, PROXIMITY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
With us, you're not just a number in a multinational corporation.
You're accompanied by a freight forwarder who takes the time to advise you in advance, to avoid costly mistakes and customs blockages.
Our ambition is not to become an impersonal giant, but to remain close to each and every one of our customers, offering a tailor-made, human and responsive service.
Ask for our free quote
