Export to France - Fedex

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France Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* France Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* France Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* France Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* France Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: Paris
Population: 63,713,926 (July 2007 est.)
Language: French is the official language. Rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, and Flemish). Many French business people speak English.
Weights and Measures: Metric
Currency: EURO (EUR) One hundred cents equal 1 Euro.
Time Zone Operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)Daylight Savings Time is observed April through October (plus 1 hour).



Trade Group Member

France is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the: European Union (EU). Since 1957, the European Union allows for the free movement of goods between France and the other member states: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain and United Kingdom. The European Union has numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements, such as the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (formerly the Multi-Fiber Agreement), PECO countries Agreement, Israel Agreement, Turkey Agreement, Baltic Sea countries Agreement, Mexico Agreement. All these agreements are grouped under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO). All agreements ratified by European Union Executive Commission automatically apply to all EU member states. Exemption or reduced tariff is applicable only to qualified members under the agreement as originating goods. For further information on bilateral agreements, contact the Center Francais du Commerce Exterieur at www.ubifrance.fr

Trade Organization. Established in 1995, the WTO has a membership of 140 countries. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business.

World Customs Organization. The WCO aids the national economic wealth and social protection of its members by promoting honest, transparent and predictable Customs. Established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council, the WCO is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. With 151 Member Governments, it is the only intergovernmental worldwide organization competent in Customs matters.

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The mission of OPCW is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the OPCW's vision of a world free of chemical weapons, and a world in which co-operation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered. In doing this, their ultimate aim is to contribute to international security and stability: general and complete disarmament; and global and economic development.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. CITES entered into force on 1975 and now has a membership of 152 countries. These countries act by banning commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered.

Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 and stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are to be phased out.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD groups 30 countries in an organization that, most importantly, provides governments a setting in which to discuss, develop and perfect economic and social policy. They compare experiences; seek answers to common problems; and work to co-ordinate domestic and international policies that increasingly, in today's global economy, must form a web of even practice across nations.

Wassenaar Arrangement. Established in order to contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations. Participating states, France included, will seek, through their national policies, to ensure that transfers of these items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to support such capabilities.




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
French Customs has 292 offices throughout the country. A company can choose either clearance upon entry or exit from French territory (port, airport or office at an inland frontier), or clearance at destination (at the nearest customs office from the company's site).

Any company is free to complete its customs formalities itself or to assign them to a professional operator approved by French Customs Authorities (customs broker). French Customs uses computerized clearance methods, which have been adopted by many countries throughout the world. It offers freedom of choice for clearance methods.

Customs clearance in France can be made through several methods:

* The customs computer network (SOFI),
* The company's own computer system, networked with SOFI
* Manual procedure (use of customs entries - S.A.D.).

Computerized clearance considerably speeds up clearance formalities and makes their administration remarkably simple. A wide range of customs methods designed to meet specific customer requirements are put in place such as Express delivery procedures for express parcels (a new high-speed procedure applicable to express delivery companies) or one of the customized procedures granted to all import or export companies for their current trade transactions.

There are three primary entry types for importing into France:

1. Standard clearance procedure
2. Simplified clearance procedure
3. Simplified declaration procedure

The first two procedures apply to all shipments regardless of value; the third one applies to shipments of commercial samples below EUR 45 and/or to negligible value shipments below EUR 22 and provides Duty and Tax relief.

Tobacco, drugs, medicines, weapons and their parts, strategic materials and their parts, CITES commodities, alcohol and all other licensable commodities cannot be processed under the simplified declaration procedure.

Import transactions exceeding - 38,200 EURO in value must be conducted through an approved banking intermediary. When a shipment reaches France, FedEx will either advise the importer's broker or file entry release documents on behalf of the importer of record (owner, purchaser or consignee) with French Customs at the point of entry. Imported goods are not legally entered until after the shipment has been released by French Customs. French Customs may pull any shipment at any time for review or investigation, which could result in clearance/delivery delays. NOTE: In addition to the Customs Department, importers should contact other agencies when questions regarding particular commodities arise. For example, questions about textile products should be forwarded to the Service des Titres du Commerce Exterieur (SETICE) for import license requirements.

The Importer of Record or a licensed Customs Broker may account for goods. According to the Importer of Record's profile FedEx GTS FRANCE will either provide notification upon arrival of shipments to the Importer's designated Customs Broker or clear and advance payment of any duties and taxes levied for the shipments on behalf of the importer.

Note: A Customs (entry and payment processing) account can be established at any customs office and by the importer himself for his shipments or by FedEx for all its customers. Currently only FedEx's account is being used. An air waybill may be used for qualifying standard clearance procedure merchandise (samples and low value shipments) arriving by air, but all other merchandise must be presented with a commercial invoice that contains all the data requirements of French Customs Department.

Goods may be transported in-bond to another point of entry for clearance by re-manifesting (infrequent) to that location, by using house air waybills or by using T docs (EU transit system). A bonded carrier is required to transport the shipment from the point of arrival to point of clearance. Arrangements for transporting the merchandise to an interior point in-bond may be made by the consignee, by the customs broker or by any other person having sufficient interest in the goods for that purpose.

If it is desired to postpone the release of the goods, they may be placed in FedEx's cage in a bonded warehouse until the documentation has been obtained for appropriate release. If the goods are not released from Customs within 5 days, they are reported to the Customs Office warehouse and abandoned or sent back to the origin at shipper's expense.

FedEx Clearance Ports

FedEx operates a state of the art sorting facility located at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This is the main sorting and clearance facility for most of the European Community (EC).

Document Requirements
Bills of Lading - No special regulations

Consular Invoices - None

Certificates of Origin - Certificates of Origin are required for the importation of any Textile products valued at over 45 Euros. Exceptions from this requirement include marked and mutilated samples; luggage made up of textile materials, canvas bags, and bona- fida gifts, personal effects. A Certificate of Origin is recommended to be provided for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions from some origin countries and is required for all textile products imported into France that originate in Hong Kong, Macao, or Singapore regardless of the value.

Certificate of Origin Form A - A Certificate of Origin Form A may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements of Generalized System of Preferences. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in the possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

EUR 1 form Import - An EUR 1 form may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under various bilateral agreements by the European Union countries and some specific countries or groups of countries. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

Quotas - Quotas have been assigned by the European Union to specific countries for specific products, which allow for the controlled importation of specific products.

Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies; companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in French for export shipments or accompanied by a translation. It can be in any official language for import shipments and, if required by customs, must be accompanied by a translation. A party who is knowledgeable of the transaction, must furnish translation, if requested.

Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

* textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;
* marked/mutilated samples - the words "mutilated samples" or " marked samples, not for resale" as applicable;
* software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.

Dangerous Goods Certification - Some goods will, in addition to the standard documentation noted above, require DG certification
i.e. Perfumes, Liquor, Chemicals, etc.

Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.]

Declaration of Antiquity - A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words " circa date" followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.

Import permits - Permits are required from Service des Titres du Commerce Exterieur (SETICE) for the following:

* Milk and dairy products
* Cheese
* Fish
* Wheat, barley and other grains
* Some vegetables
* Steel
* Textiles and clothing
* Livestock, animals and their parts
* Firearms, ammunitions and explosives
* Radioactive materials and nuclear reactors
* Cinematographic film

Customs Valuation
All goods categorized, as non-document commercial goods shipped to France must have a proper value declared and proper description provided which should convey the shipper's intent related to the goods as well as any special processing requirements that exist for the goods shipped. Everything has a value, whether or not a transaction took place. Failure to properly document value of any goods will result in delays and or additional fees as deemed necessary in addition to warehouse fees.

Import Duties
All merchandise coming into France must clear Customs and is subject to customs duty assessment unless the goods are duty or tax exempt by law. Customs duties are, generally, an ad valorem rate (a percentage), which is applied to the transaction value (EUR Euro) of the imported goods based on the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight charges. Some articles, however, are dutiable at a specific rate of duty (so much per piece, liter, kilo etc.) and others at a compound rate (combination of both ad valorem and specific rates). The dutiable value of merchandise is determined by the EU Customs code (TARIC). Several appraisal methods are used to arrive at this value. Generally, the transaction value of the merchandise serves as a basis of appraisal. Transaction value is the price the buyer actually pays the seller for the goods sold and being imported. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of European Union (2002 Edition), issued by European Community, prescribes the rates of duty and classification of merchandise by the type of product; i.e. animal and vegetable products, textile fibers and textile products. The tariff schedule provides several rates of duty for each item.

France, like most member states of the European Community, bases its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Nomenclature Douaniere or SH) on the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Community) which is issued by the Commission and the Member States for the purpose of applying Community measures relating to import and exports, and-when necessary- to trade between member states. The TARIC also serves as a basis for the working tariffs and tariff file of France and other Member States.

Shipments of value below 22 EURO (USD 22 circa) may be subject to duty-free import entry.

Import duty rates are divided into two classifications: Most Favored Nation (MFN) and General. Import duties are calculated on ad valorem basis, i.e. expressed as a percentage of the value of the imported goods.

Most imports enter under MFN Rates (Most Favored Nation) rates. Relative high tariffs apply to textile, automobile, consumer electronics, cereal, meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.

Excise duty rates may also be applicable on certain items such as alcohol and tobacco. For further information, please contact the French Customs at www.finances.gouv.fr/douanes/

Antidumping
Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in France (EU) at less than the normal price of goods in the manufacturer's home market (also called fair market value).

Countervailing
Countervailing duties are assessed to counter the effects of subsidies provided by a foreign government for merchandise exported to France resulting in artificially low prices that are detrimental to French and other European Union member states industries.

Excise Duties
Excise duties are assessed against certain commodities, which are normally identified as "luxury" goods. The excise tax is normally assessed against tobacco products, perfumes and alcohol products but can also be assessed against other goods as deemed by French regulations.

Additional Duties
Watch Duty Rate
Watches imported into France are subject to classification and duty assessment based on a per item basis. The actual duty and the final rate of duty are determined based on the classification of the watch at the time of entry processing with customs.

Import Taxes
In addition to duties , goods imported into France are also subject to a value-added Tax (VAT) which is generally charged at one of two rates:

* The standard rate of 19.6% applicable to most manufactured goods
* The reduced rate of 5.5%, applicable mostly to agricultural products and foodstuffs, original artworks and certain medicines.

Customs Fees
Invoice Fee
Customs in some situations will assess additional fees based on the invoices provided for a shipment. The fee is usually levied if they deem them necessary as part of the terms of entry due to the size of the shipment and the related large number of invoices provided by the shipper for his goods.

Examination Fees
Additional fees can be assessed on some commodities to cover the expense of performing the examinations and or testing required as a condition of the goods entry into the commerce of France. Commodities affected: cosmetics, drugs and medicines, artwork.

Exchange Controls
These were abolished in France in 1990 but notifications of large outward transfers are required for the purposes of official statistics. For example, Import transactions exceeding 38,167 EUR in value must be conducted through an approved banking intermediary.

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade, as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the WTO website at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm

Consular Fees
There are no consular fees.





France Import Prohibitions

The importation of certain classes of merchandise may be prohibited or restricted to protect the economy and security of France and other EU member states, to safeguard consumer health, well being, and to preserve domestic plant and animal life. Some commodities are also subject to an import quota or a restraint under bilateral trade agreements and arrangements. In addition to Customs requirements, many prohibited or restricted imports are subject to laws and regulations administered by other French Government agencies for which the French Customs Department is the enforcer. These laws and regulations may, for example, prohibit entry; limit entry to certain points; restrict routing, storage, use; require treatment, labeling or processing as condition of release. Customs release only takes place when the additional requirements are met. These requirements apply to all importation types, including shipments made by mail. The exporter should make certain that the French importer has provided proper information to (1) permit the submission of necessary information concerning packing, labeling, etc. and (2) ensure that necessary arrangements have been made by the importer for entry of the merchandise into France.

The following commodities are prohibited into France:

* All forms of asbestos fibers
* L-trytophane and any items having L-trytophane as an ingredient
* Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras
* Game meat such as Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) Rabbit (Lepus Timidus), Marmot (Marmota Marmota)
* Rubber erasers that are similar in appearance to food products that are easily ingested
* Medical thermometers containing mercury intended for human consumption
* Dura mater (the tough fibrous membrane covering the brain and the spinal cord and lining the inner surface of the skull)
* Imitation pearls having a coating of lead salts
* Counterfeits
* Hemp Cannabis
* Pajamas and nightdresses made of artificial fibers that are not fire-retardant
* Silicone used for plastic surgery
* Toys and games containing copper sulfate
* Items having a flexible metal blade entirely contained in a plastic, paper, or fabric sheath
* Lighting conductors comprising of radioactive elements
* Certain U.S. Beef hormones
* Doping Products
* Melatonine
* Psychotropic Products
* Products containing Lead Salt & Nickel
* Stamps, collectable
* Viagra & Vitamins
* Dehydrepiandrosterone




General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.





France Restrictions

Import controls are imposed by the French government and can take the form of prohibitions such as blockades, embargoes, boycotts, and sanctions or they can take the form of import licensing and permit requirements for controlled commodities. Import controls may be product specific, technology specific or country specific.

The Customs Department holds the list of commodities and areas that are under control and/or require an import license. Contact the Customs Department or utilize their web site www.finances.gouv.fr/douanes/ to determine if the goods being exported or the shipping destination is under control.

Examples of goods subject to import licensing controls:

1. Agricultural products; i.e. grains, cheeses
2. Dual-use goods; i.e. software, computers, machines and machine parts
3. Biological reagents
4. Artwork
5. Antiques
6. CITES endangered species flora and fauna
7. Non Perishable Food
8. Prescription & Non Prescription Drugs
9. Cosmetics
10. Textiles
11. Alcohol products




Special Import Provisions

Temporary Imports: Including Repaired Articles or Articles for Repair
Articles consigned for temporary import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into France via FedEx IP Service. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.

ATA Carnet - The ATA carnet is a document that may be used instead of SAD forms for Temporary admission and Temporary exportation, which are the usual Customs documentation for temporary clearance of professional equipment, commercial samples and advertising material. The carnet is usually issued by a Chambers of Commerce of in the country of origin and is valid for one year. It must be validated by Customs upon import, re-export, export and re-import.

The "Admission Temporaire - Temporary Admission", or the ATA Carnet, is an international customs document which may be used for the temporary duty free admission and temporary export of commercial samples. This is in-lieu-of the usual customs documents required for entry. The carnet serves as a guarantee against the payment of duty, which may become due if the merchandise is not re-exported.

Note: These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the FedEx IP express carrier operation commitments.

Free Trade Zones

France is subject to all European Union free trade zone regulations and arrangements. These allow member countries to designate portions of their customs territory as free trade zones and free warehouses. The responsible agency for administering these zones is the Direction Generale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (French Customs Services). Further information can be obtained at http://www.finances.gouv.fr/douanes/

Personal Effects

Personal belongings of French (EU) citizen residents are entitled entry free of duty. Personal belongings taken abroad, such as worn clothing, etc. may be shipped back to France and receive free entry provided they have not been altered or repaired while abroad and prior ownership can be proven for a period of 6 months or more. The shipping documents should be clearly marked "French Goods Returned" with the reason why clearly stated and with the goods identified as personal effects.

Items such laptops watches PC's, cameras, tape recorders, Camcorders, video players, CD and DVD players or other articles that may be uniquely identifiable by serial number or permanently affixed marking, should be documented on owner declaration at the Customs Office at the port of exit, at the time of export or when physically carried abroad. This declaration will expedite free entry of these items upon return. The declaration is valid for any future trips as long as the information on it remains legible. Registration must be made in person.

Samples
Samples may qualify for duty free entry if:

* they are of negligible value (EUR 45 or less),
* they are for solicitation of orders for the goods of the kind represented by the sample,
* there is not more than one sample of each style or quality in a consignment,
* the goods are supplied directly from abroad,
* they will be consumed or destroyed during demonstration and are packaged and properly marked in a manner which precludes their being used as other than samples. IE: foodstuffs, non alcoholic beverages, perfumes and chemical products

Some samples of a commercial value may enter France and be free of duties and taxes if a bond or deposit of the total amount of duties and taxes is arranged. These samples must be re-exported within one year in order to recoup the deposit.

Designer Samples (Textiles)
Apparel manufacturers importing samples of apparel for the manufacturing of similar goods in France may bring one sample of each style duty free into France. A shipment may contain several different samples, as long as there is only one sample of each kind. In order to enforce this condition, Customs requires that the style number of each sample appear on the commercial documents. The commercial invoice must contain in the product description the intent of the shipper that the goods are intended as samples. Failing to provide this information clearly will result in normal consumption entry with duty and taxes assessed.

Gifts
Articles consigned as "Unsolicited Gifts" are acceptable and will be allowed entry free of any duty or VAT providing the shipment is valued at less than 45 EURO, originated from and consigned to an individual, and are individually wrapped. Multiple gifts can be consigned in one shipment so long as the individual parcels enclosed are individually tagged with the recipients name, are individually wrapped and the value does not exceed the per person limit of 45 EURO. Shipments consigned to companies as gifts for an individual may be denied entry as gifts. They will be subject to full duty and VAT. Generally, most articles can be consigned as gifts, except those articles noted prohibited or restricted for import (see General Import Prohibitions and Restrictions).




Standards

Marking
Every article entering France must be marked with the name of the country of origin in any official language, preferably in French, unless an exception of marking is provided for in the law. The country of origin is the country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article. The requirement applies to each unit unless exempted. The phrase "made in" is required only in the case where the name of any locality other than the country or locality in which the article was manufactured appears on the article or its container. The marking "made in (country), "product of (country)", or other words of similar meaning must appear in close proximity to and in comparable size letters of the other locality to avoid possible confusion. When marking is not feasible, such as when the article is too small or marking would in some way damage the merchandise, then the packaging or container that will reach the final consumer must be marked.

Marking of Goods
As labeling is strictly controlled in France, labeling regulations and standards must be carefully monitored. Basic labeling requirements are as follows:

Labels must be written in French. French or international law must authorize any foreign words or abbreviations. Marking of all goods consigned for consumption into French (EU) commerce must be legible. This means it must be of an adequate size, and clear enough, to be read easily by a person of normal vision. Any names, symbols and marks relating to the product must be found on the exterior of the packaging, the product label, or wherever the case may be. All ingredient or materials constituting the product must be listed. The article should be marked as permanently as the nature of the product will permit. However, any reasonable method of marking that will accomplish the purpose of the law is acceptable. Markings that will not remain on the article during handling for any other reason except deliberate removal are not considered proper marking. The best form of marking is one which becomes a part of the article itself, such as branding, stenciling, stamping, printing, molding and similar methods. Other forms of marking will be acceptable if it is certain that the marking used will remain on the article, and will remain legible and conspicuous, until the article reaches the ultimate purchaser in France. It is important that this marking withstand handling. This means it must be of a type that can be defaced, destroyed, removed, altered, obliterated, or obscured only by a deliberate act. When tags are used, they must be attached in a conspicuous place and in a manner, which assures that, unless deliberately removed, they will remain on the article until it reaches the final purchaser.

For agricultural products, the Office of Agricultural Affairs can be contacted for an up-to-date extensive list of labeling packaging regulations and requirements on a product-by-product basis.

All textile products must be permanently affixed with a readily accessible label containing the following information:

1. Fiber content shown by generic name, preferably in French or English as a percentage of total mass for all fibers with a total mass of 100% and in order of predominance of mass;
2. Dealer identity and/or country of manufacture

Other special marking rules are issued by various regulatory agencies and departments. Specific labeling requirements also exist for household appliances, food, drugs, electronics and for containers of alcoholic beverages.

Marking exemption may apply to various articles due to their own specific limitations, like goods for one time use or articles that are incapable of being marked.

CE MARKING
The CE (Conformite Europeenne) Marking is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the European market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. Because the CE Marking identifies products that meet a common set of criteria established and adopted by the 15 CE members , the CE Marking on your products will permit them to move freely in commerce throughout the European market. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the CE Marking on compliant products. The common CE Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the European Directives that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption.

NF MARKING
All goods entering France should conform to French and European standards. Although one of the goals of the European Union is to harmonize standards across its member countries (e.g., CE marking), many product standards have yet to be harmonized. Where an EU standard is non-existent, French standards apply. The Association Francaise de Normalisation (AFNOR) is the French authority responsible for establishments of standards. It is the French branch of the European Standardization System (CEN) and a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It also is the issuing agency for the NF (Normes Francaises) marking, which is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the French market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable French Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the NF Marking on compliant products. The common NF Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the Normes Francaises that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption. Further information can be obtained at www.afnor.fr.




General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Exporting from France requires:

1. Export Compliance;
2. Knowledge of your commodity;
3. Proper documentation including permits, licenses and related certificate of origins;
4. Pre-shipment requirements from the destination country.

Furthermore, export transactions exceeding 38,617 EUR in value must be conducted through an approved banking intermediary. Export documentation requirements vary depending on the value of the goods, destination of the shipment and if the goods are controlled, prohibited or regulated. Goods that must be reported require a bill of lading/air waybill, an SAD (Single Administrative Document) export declaration, a commercial or a pro-forma invoice, as well as any export permits, certificate, licenses required for controlled, prohibited or regulated goods. All controlled, regulated commodities require an export permit regardless of the value. It is extremely important that all documents tendered for export clearance processing are accurate in every way. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in lengthy delays in customs processing and may result in warehousing and other customs fees.

There are no reporting requirements for all non-dutiable shipments (documents).

Document Requirements
General Documentation (for formal clearance):

Commercial Invoice:

This is a document provided by the seller/exporter that describes the parties involved in the shipping transaction and the goods being transported. It is the primary document used by Customs. The Commercial Invoice should include a detailed breakdown of all items included in the shipment: including any generic or scientific name, grade and quantity, composition and/or construction, the country of manufacture, the price or cost, currency used, the Harmonized System number for each commodity and the terms of delivery. The invoice should always be signed and dated by the exporter certifying that the details provided are true and correct representations of the contents covered by the Commercial Invoice.

The Commercial Invoice is the basic document that provides all the relevant information with regards to the terms of trade.

EUR 1 form Export:

An EUR 1 form may be completed by exporters from the European Union to some countries to claim preferential duty or exemption under various bilateral agreements.

Export Permits:

Specific export permits are for commodities subject to export controls. The Department of Customs is the government office for dual use exports (commercial items that may have military applications). Other departments and agencies have regulatory jurisdiction and issue licenses for controlled substances and precursor chemicals, for endangered fish and wildlife species, for defense services and articles, for arms and munitions, for nuclear material, equipment and technology, for fuels, for drugs and medical devices, for champagne, Bordeaux wines, and antiques. Before exporting these items, special licenses must be obtained from customs office to insure that the items are not part of the national heritage of France. License requirements are dependent upon an item's technical characteristics, the destination, the end-use, end-user and other activities of the end-user. Specific questions pertaining to commodity licensing requirements should be directed to the lead agency. Agency information, telephone number and basic commodities that might require export permits could be identified by accessing the Department and agency web sites listed in the profile.

Note: These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the FedEx IP express carrier operation commitments.





France Export Prohibitions

The following commodities are prohibited for export out of France:

* Products intended for human consumption containing phenolphthalein or certain glycol ethers.
* Dura mater (the tough fibrous membrane covering the brain and the spinal cord and lining the inner surface of the skull).
* Lighting conductors comprising of radioactive elements.




General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.





France Restrictions

Export controls are imposed on French exporters by the government can take the form of prohibitions such as blockades, embargoes, boycotts, and sanctions or they can take the form of export licensing and permit requirements for controlled commodities. Export controls may be product specific, technology specific or country specific.

The Customs Department holds the list of commodities and areas that are under control and/or require an export license. Contact the Customs Department or utilize their web site www.finances.gouv.fr/douanes/ to determine if the goods being exported or the shipping destination is under control.

Examples of goods subject to export licensing controls:

1. Agricultural products; i.e. grains, cheeses
2. Dual-use goods; i.e. software, computers, machines and machine parts
3. Biological reagents
4. Artwork
5. Antiques
6. CITES endangered species flora and fauna




Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
Agency

Responsibilities

Service des titres du commerce ext»rieur (SETICE) (Ministry of Foreign Trade)
Address: 8, rue de la Tour des Dames, F-75436 Paris Cedex 09

-Issues import and export licenses and permits for restricted commodities

Direction generale des douanes et droits indirects SP (Ministry of Finance, Department of Customs)
Address: 23 bis, rue de l'Universite, F-75700 Paris 07

-Import & export clearance
-Levies duty & taxes
-Inspects shipments
-Issues regulations about clearance
-Controls import & export enterprises
-Evaluates shipments

MinistÀre de l'Economie des Finances et de l'Industrie
Address: 120, rue de Bercy F-75012 Paris (Ministry of Finance)

-Responsible for International Trade Agreement compliance
-Internal economic information on France
-Regulates trade laws and compliance
-Issues French laws and regulations

Centre Fran¡ais du Commerce Exterieur
Address: 10, avenue d'Iena, F-75116 Paris

-Regulates export laws
-Promotes export trade
-Monitors trade compliance
-Enforces trade restrictions

Commission Europeenne
Address: Repr»sentation en France, 288, boulevard Saint-Germain, F-75007 Paris

-Main regulatory body for the European Community.
-Issues EU laws and regulations

Institut national de la statistique et des etudes economiques (INSEE)
Address: data shop Paris, 195, rue de Bercy F-75582 Paris cedex 12

-Statistical body for economic and trade indicators

Journal Officiel
Address: 26, rue Desaix, F-75727 Paris cedex 15

-Responsible for the proliferation of laws and regulations issued by the European Community

Office central de documentation (OCD)
Address: 33, rue de linne, F-75005 Paris

-Official government publication office

Ministere de l'Amenagement du territoire et de l'Environnement
20, avenue Segur, F-75007 Paris

-Main issuing agency for environmental laws and protection

Dg Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Repression des Fraudes
8, rue froissart, F-75003 Paris

-Responsible for consumer fraud, competition, and consumer protection

Centre national de la cinematographie
12, rue de Lubeck, F-75784 Paris Cedex 16

-Responsible for the censorship of media material

MinistÀre de la Defense
14, rue Saint Dominique, F-75007 Paris

-Regulates arms and ammunitions
-Controls trade of munitions
-Controls trade of dual-use goods

MinistÀre de l'Agriculture et de la PÀche
78, rue de Varenne, F-75700 Paris

-Controls the inspection of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines, and fertilizers
-Drafts rules and regulations concerning the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines and fertilizers

Ministere de l'Industrie des Postes et Telecommunications et du Commerce Exterieur Service des Biens de Consommation (SERBCO)
3-5, rue Barbet de Jouy, F-75533 Paris cedex 07 (Ministry of Communications)

-Issues export license for telecommunication devices

Commission interministerielle des radio-elements artificiels (CIREA)
60-68, avenue du G»n»ral de Gaulle F-92260 Fontenay aux Roses

-Controls radioactive materials and products containing radioactive elements

Agence du medicament
143-145, boulevard Anatole-France, F-93200 Saint-Denis (Medicaments Department)

- Controls import and export of medicaments and drugs and issues Drug Import Inspection Certificate

Ministere de la Sante, Direction generale de la Sante
1, place de Fontenoy, F-75007 Paris (Ministry of Health)

- Develops health policy
- Enforces health regulation
- Consumer protection and food policy

Ministere de l'Interieur, Direction des Libertes publiques et des Affaires juridiques
11, rue des Saussaies, F-75008 Paris

- Responsible for internal affairs

Association fran¡aise de normalisation (AFNOR)
Tour Europe 92049 Paris La Defense Cedex

- In charge of coordinating the establishment of standards