Import from France to the UK
According to French customs, the UK is France’s seventh-largest trading partner for British imports (€23.2 billion) and fifth-largest for exports (€31.8 billion).
While relations between the two nations look different after Brexit, the UK and France have enjoyed a positive trade balance for many years. Imports from France are also widely regarded due to the country’s high spending power and competitively priced products.
While relations between the two nations look different after Brexit, the UK and France have enjoyed a positive trade balance for many years. Imports from France are also widely regarded due to the country’s high spending power and competitively priced products.
Why import from France to the UK?
Proximity
The UK and France are separated by the English Channel, a narrow strait that divides the two countries by just 4 miles at its shortest distance. Regular ferry services and use of the Channel Tunnel can make France to UK shipping much quicker.
Trade relations
France is a major global economy. As France’s 6th largest trading parter and the UK’s 4th, trade in goods and services have remained relatively stable. The UK benefits from France’s large industrial base, while the French market capitalises on the UK’s strong reputation for quality products.
Diverse products
The main imports from France to the UK are industrial products, including mechanical power generators, aircraft and cars. Their engineering technologies are highly valued by UK customers, as is the French food market.
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What products are commonly imported from France?
In 2024, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and France came to £103.6 billion (an increase of 0.2% or £216 million). Imports alone accounted for £46.1 billion of this, with the top 5 products including:
All imports from France must meet the relevant customs formalities before being transported to the UK.
- Mechanical power generators (intermediate) (£2.1 billion)
- Aircraft (£1.9 billion)
- Cars (£1.7 billion)
- Medicinal & pharmaceutical products (£1.6 billion)
- Fish & shellfish (£966.1 million)
All imports from France must meet the relevant customs formalities before being transported to the UK.
How to prepare for customs
The timeline for France to UK shipping can be relatively short, provided the importer prepares the relevant documents. You can hire a freight forwarder or customs agent to help you.
Pay customs duties & VAT
Import charges from France must be paid before the goods can be released from customs. Duties may vary depending on the items being imported and their value.
EORI number
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier required for all types of customs operations. To import from France to the UK, you must apply for one with HMRC.
Marking and labelling
The UK’s product labelling laws apply to certain goods, including precious metals, footwear, food and drink and products for children.
Inspection
You may need an import licence. For certain products, including hazardous chemicals, controlled drugs and veterinary medicine, you must procure the relevant licences or certificates.
Commodity code
This ten-digit code is used to help customs classify the import restrictions, duty and VAT payable on goods imported from France.
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How do I ship goods from France to the UK?
Imports from France travel to the UK primarily via sea and air.
Sea freight
The English Channel makes sea freight accessible to UK importers. With a typical timeline of 10 days, imports from France via sea freight will vary depending on the ports used, weather conditions and any congestion.
Air freight
Air freight from France can take anywhere from 1 to 10 days. However, the distance between the origin and destination affects transit time, as does the route and season.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with France?
Yes, the United Kingdom has a trade agreement with France through the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The agreement governs the trade relationship between the UK and EU member states, including France, and provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on all goods that comply with the appropriate rules of origin.
Although the TCA facilitates trade between the UK and France, it is not a traditional free trade agreement.
Although the TCA facilitates trade between the UK and France, it is not a traditional free trade agreement.
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