China, often dubbed "the world's factory", occupies a central position in international trade. From e-tailers to major industries, the majority of European companies - and French ones in particular - import products made in China, taking advantage of competitive costs and an unrivalled diversity of offerings.
But importing from China to France is not something you can improvise: you need to comply with strict standards, master international logistics, and anticipate customs duties and taxes.
This is where 5AM LOGISTICS, an international freight forwarder specializing in China-France flows, comes in to help you every step of the way.
How to import from China? What standards must be met and what steps should be taken to resell Chinese products in France?
Why import from China to France?
China is the leading trading partner for many countries. Its lead in manufacturing production enables it to supply :
- Industrial equipment (machines, tools, mechanical components).
- Consumer goods (textiles, toys, electronic accessories).
- Innovative, high value-added products (solar panels, batteries, automotive parts).
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a manufacturer, an e-tailer or a private individual, importing from China can represent a strategic opportunity. But you need to master European and French regulations, as well as international logistics.
Regulations: standards and conformity of imported products
Before importing, you must check that your goods comply with European standards:
- CE marking: certifies compliance with EU safety requirements.
- REACH standard: regulates the use of chemical substances.
- EN standards: specific to each product category (toys, electrical equipment, machinery, etc.).
Example: to import a mini-excavator from China, you will need :
- EU conformity certificate (Directives 2000/14/EC + 2005/88/EC and 2006/42/EC Machinery).
- Manufacturer's declaration of conformity.
- Test reports.
- Translated user manual.
???? At 5AM LOGISTICSour import team works with you to prepare the documentary package you need to clear customs without delay.
Beware of counterfeits: a major risk
Intellectual property is not well protected in China. Importing copies of trademarks or protected designs can lead to :
- Immediate seizure of goods by French customs.
- Legal proceedings.
- Substantial financial losses.
???? Our advice: always ask your Chinese supplier for an operating license if you are importing proprietary products.
Customs clearance: obligations and required documents
To import legally from China, the importer must :
- Have an EORI number (Community identification number) issued by French customs.
- Have a valid intra-Community VAT number (verifiable on the official Europa EU website).
- Provide all commercial and logistical documents: pro forma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, shipping documents (sea bill of lading, air waybill).
At 5AM LOGISTICS, we liaise with :
- Your Chinese supplier,
- European customs,
- Sea and air carriers.
Are you a private individual looking to import for personal use? Don't worry, we can also handle your private shipments, from secure payment to home delivery.
Calculating customs duties and taxes
Import costs mainly comprise :
- Customs duties: applicable from €150, calculated according to TARIC/HS code.
- VAT (20%): calculated on the customs value = (value of goods + transport + customs duties).
- Additional costs: transport insurance, administration fees, handling.
???? Good to know:
- Since 2022, companies no longer have to pay VAT on imports.
- Private customers, on the other hand, must pay VAT immediately.
Example: goods worth €5,000 with a duty rate of 3% will generate around €150 in customs duties + 20% VAT on the total value (goods + freight + duties).
Our specialists at 5AM LOGISTICS calculate the exact amount for you before shipment, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
China-France transport: sea or air?
1. Sea freight: the economical solution
- Ideal for large volumes and heavy goods.
- Transit between 30 and 39 days depending on the port (e.g. Shenzhen → Marseille: 30 days).
- China departure ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, Hong Kong.
- French ports of arrival: Le Havre, Marseille-Fos, Rouen.
- Possibility of maritime groupage (LCL) if you don't have a full container.
???? With 5AM LOGISTICS, benefit from customized solutions to optimize your import costs.
2. Air freight: speed is everything
- Ideal for urgent or high value-added products.
- Delivery time: 3 to 7 days on average.
- Chinese airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xining...
- Real-time tracking of your cargo.
???? When you choose 5AM LOGISTICS, you benefit from complete support from departure in China to delivery in France.
Why choose 5AM LOGISTICS for your China-France imports?
- Global expertise: Asia, Africa, Middle East.
- Customized solutions: sea, air, groupage, multimodal.
- Complete support: from negotiation with the supplier to final delivery.
- Quality commitment: compliance with European standards, customs optimization.
- Strong values: You aren't choosing logistics, you are choosing your impact on the planet.
Before buying goods in China, contact us for a free, all-inclusive quote. This will give you a precise idea of the total cost of your purchase delivered to your company, and enable you to estimate your profit margin.
