Ship from China to Amazon France FBA (Pan-EU) — Costs, Customs, and Best Logistics Options
Entering the European market through Amazon France has become a highly strategic route for cross-border sellers. France offers a strong combination of stable demand, predictable customs procedures, and well-connected transportation infrastructure. For many brands, France functions not only as a primary sales market but also as a practical entry point for the Pan-EU program, allowing inventory to move efficiently across Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and other participating countries.
Because France is a gateway for EU-wide distribution, sellers shipping from China must understand the logistical structure, customs requirements, compliance expectations, and operational risks involved. This guide focuses on how to ship directly from China to Amazon France FBA and how sellers can prepare for France-based or Pan-EU fulfillment.
France offers a strong mix of demand, logistics infrastructure, and market stability:
Amazon France is one of the fastest-growing EU marketplaces.
It has predictable customs procedures and well-developed inland transportation.
Sellers can use France as an entry point to the Pan-EU program, which redistributes inventory to Germany, Italy, Spain, and other participating countries.
VAT rules are clear and standardized once properly registered.
France’s geographic location supports efficient EU-wide distribution.
For sellers shipping from China, France provides a reliable and scalable import route.
Choosing the right Incoterm affects cost transparency, workload, and risk distribution. For France and Pan-EU operations, the four most relevant Incoterms for sellers are DDP, FOB, EXW, and CIF.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
A full-service shipping method where the forwarder manages pickup, export, freight, import clearance, duties, taxes, and final Amazon delivery.
The simplest solution for sellers who want predictable logistics without managing customs.
FOB (Free On Board)
The supplier handles origin-side costs and export clearance.
You or your forwarder control the freight, customs entry, and final delivery.
Ideal for sellers who want visibility and choose their own forwarder.
EXW (Ex Works)
Maximum control and responsibility on the buyer’s side.
You manage pickup, export processes, freight, and import clearance.
Best for experienced sellers or those handling multiple factories.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
The supplier pays for shipping and insurance up to the port in France.
However, import clearance, duties, and delivery to Amazon must still be arranged by the buyer, making CIF incomplete for Amazon FBA.
CIF can work for sea freight importers who prefer suppliers to handle main-leg transport, but it offers limited flexibility and less transparency on the freight cost.
For Amazon France and Pan-EU, DDP and FOB remain the most practical, predictable, and widely used options.
France is part of the European Union, so customs laws follow EU-wide regulations.
However, Amazon France requires sellers to meet specific compliance rules:
VAT Registration
If you're storing goods in France (whether directly or through Pan-EU), VAT registration is mandatory.
This includes:
French VAT number
EORI number
Monthly or quarterly VAT declarations
Under Pan-EU, sellers often need multiple VAT registrations depending on where Amazon redistributes inventory.
Customs Documentation Checklist
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
HS Codes
Certificate of Origin (if needed)
Product compliance documents (CE, RoHS, food contact certification, etc.)
Amazon France has strict requirements for CE marking (mandatory for many product categories such as electronics, children’s products, and personal care devices).
Ensuring compliance before shipment avoids customs holds or returns at the EU border.
Amazon FBA France Requirements
Amazon’s inbound specifications for France include:
Correct FNSKU labeling
Carton size and weight limits
Non-mixed SKUs in cartons
Proper palletization for EU warehouses
Shipment booking through Seller Central
Any mistakes here may cause delivery refusal or storage delays.
Shipping to France doesn’t automatically enroll your inventory in Pan-EU. Sellers must activate the program and meet several prerequisites:
Inventory Redistribution
Once active, Amazon may redistribute your stock to warehouses in:
Germany
Italy
Spain
Poland
Czech Republic
Netherlands
This improves delivery speed but increases compliance demands.
VAT Implications
Under Pan-EU, sellers typically need VAT numbers in multiple countries where inventory is stored.
Not registering properly can lead to:
Account suspension
Customs delays
Incorrect tax reporting
Labeling & Packaging
France accepts standard European labeling requirements, but if your goods move into Germany or Spain through Pan-EU, they must meet all applicable local rules.
Logistics Planning
Shipping directly to France is often more efficient than sending inventory to Germany first, especially for sellers targeting Western Europe.
Amazon sellers often face several obstacles when shipping directly into France:
Customs Clearance Delays
Incorrect HS codes or undervaluation can result in customs inspections, delaying delivery to Amazon.
Non-Compliant CE or Safety Documentation
Missing or incorrect product documentation triggers holds or prevents entry into France.
Incorrect Amazon Labeling or Packaging
Amazon France enforces strict pallet and carton guidelines; violations may result in rejected shipments.
Pan-EU Redistribution Issues
Sellers unprepared for multi-country VAT registration may face tax compliance risks.
Forwarder Inconsistencies
Unreliable forwarders may use non-standard clearance methods, causing unpredictable import risks.
Understanding these challenges early helps sellers build a smoother, scalable EU logistics strategy.
To ensure smooth imports, sellers should follow these guiding principles:
Work with an EU-experienced freight forwarder
The forwarder should have experience with Amazon France FBA and proper EU customs procedures.
Confirm all compliance documents before production ends
CE, EMC testing, RoHS, REACH, labeling, and DoC should be ready before shipment.
Avoid undervaluation or “gray channel” clearance
France customs are increasingly strict about fair valuation and proper documentation.
Forecast inventory ahead of time
Sea freight requires longer planning cycles compared to U.S. routes.
Prepare for Pan-EU VAT obligations
If you plan to activate Pan-EU, coordinate VAT registration early to avoid inventory holds.
A reliable China-based forwarder specializing in FBA logistics can help sellers:
Coordinate factory pickup
Consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers
Manage export documentation
Handle EU customs clearance
Provide DDP or FOB-based workflows
Deliver directly to Amazon France warehouses
Support Pan-EU distribution strategies
This ensures that the supply chain remains predictable, compliant, and scalable.
For Amazon sellers expanding into France or the wider Pan-EU network, DIDADI Logistics provides end-to-end China-to-EU shipping solutions including:
Factory pickup across all major Chinese manufacturing cities
Consolidation services for multi-SKU and multi-supplier shipments
Air, sea, and rail freight options to France
Compliant EU customs clearance
DDP shipping solutions tailored for Amazon FBA France
Final-mile delivery to Amazon warehouses across France
Support for sellers scaling toward Pan-EU distribution
The goal is simple: help Amazon sellers build a reliable, transparent, and compliant supply chain from China into Europe without unnecessary delays or risks.
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