How to Export to France

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Export Documentation

Export Documentation

The following documents will be required by French Customs when when exporting products to France:

International Commercial Invoice -- No special form of international commercial invoice is prescribed and the firm's letterhead may be used. The invoice should be in English and French and contain the following information:

Names and addresses of seller and buyer;
Place and date the invoice was prepared;
Method of shipment;
Number, kind and markings of the packages and their numerical order;
Exact description of the goods-customary commercial description according to kind,
quality, grade, etc., with special emphasis on factors increasing or decreasing their value;
Quantity of goods, expressed in units customary in international trade;
Agreed price of the goods (unit cost, total cost, including shipping and
insurance charges, as well as other expenses charged to the costs of the Goods);
Delivery and payment terms; and
Although not a requirement, it is advisable to have the signature of a
responsible official of the exporting firm on each invoice.

Bill of Lading or Air Waybill -- Either a straight or negotiable bill of lading is acceptable. No consular formalities are required and shipments may be made freight collect. (In general, the carrier will issue this document.)

Certificate of Origin - - This document certifies that the goods entering French territory are made in the United States, and thus are subject to the duties, taxes and restrictions that apply to U.S. goods. Although not a required document, it is good to have in case there is any doubt on the part of French authorities. However, a certificate of origin is required for textile and apparel goods.

Other Documents - - Information on documents required for exportation to France of agricultural products (including food items) as well as plants and animals are available from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture. Owing to the complexities of these regulations, U.S. exporters should also obtain information directly from the importer prior to shipment.

Agricultural Documentation
Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are required for most fresh fruits,
vegetables, and other plant materials.

Sanitary Certificates: For commodities composed of animal products or by-products, EU
Countries require that shipments be accompanied by a certificate issued by the
competent authority of the exporting country. This applies regardless of whether the
product is for human consumption, for pharmaceutical use, or strictly for non-human use
(e.g., veterinary biologicals, animal feeds, fertilizers, research).

From May 1, 2007, a second set of new hygiene laws will be in place. They will greatly
modify import requirements for animal and animal products.

For detailed information on import documentation for seafood, please see the following
web sites:

? http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/PartnershipsCommunications/tradecommercial/index.html or
? http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/.

For additional information on documentation, contact:

Office of European Community Affairs
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution, Rm. 3314
Washington, D.C. 20230
Tel: (202) 482-5276
Fax: (202) 482-2897
Email: tic@ita.doc.gov
Web Site: http://www.ita.doc.gov

For more information see the Country Commercial Guide
for France 2007, Chapter 5