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Import Regulations - France

Introduction

France is part of the EU (European Union), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the OECD and NATO, and applies the international agreements signed by these bodies.
Some of the provisions governing imports arise from membership in the EU, while others are national.

Hazardous Products

General

Conformity to European standards and "CE" marking: Products governed by these regulations must adhere to certain European standards at the point when they are imported. The "CE" sign of compliance must be on the product, either when the product is imported or when it is sold. Since the list of products is growing, the following is merely indicative:

Self-certification is possible in some cases. Generally a specialized laboratory known as a "competent agency" or "notified agency" must be used, including the following:

Conformity to European standards with no "CE" marking requirement: Products governed by these regulations must adhere to certain European standards at the point when they are imported. Indicative list of products covered:

Sometimes you need to contract the services of a consultant, for example for cosmetics:

Compliance with safety regulations, compliance with French standard, ratification by a French administration: This pertains to the following products:

Marketing authorization: Medicines and cosmetics must have a marketing authorization (AMM obtained from the Agence Nationale de la Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM) after the file is examined (in French only). This request must be made by the manufacturer's representative or the person responsible for marketing the product.

Mineral or spring water must have marketing authorization from the Préfecture (regional government offices) corresponding to the importer’s location.

Foodstuffs are subject either to specific European standards of composition (eg jams) or indirect general European standards (use of GMO derivatives, contaminant limits, bacteriological standards, additives permitted in certain types of products only), or national standards of composition. Compliance with standards is mandatory and implicit.

Some other products such as phytosanitary products or seeds must be listed (active substances must be listed with the EU, commercial formulas must be approved by France). Consult the EU Pesticides Database for authorizations and MRLs.

Use of French: In order to comply with Law n° 94-665 of August 4 1994 (in French only), concerning the use of French, all retail products must come with French instructions.

Use of the metric system: Compulsory. Imperial units are unfamiliar here.

Labelling of retail products: The labelling requirements vary depending on the products, are complex and different from those in Canada. Some adaptation is nearly always necessary.

Labelling of food products is based on European Regulation 1169/2011. Some advice for adapting your current labelling can be obtained from yannick.dheilly@international.gc.ca.

Wood Packing Material, Pallets

Exporters should be aware that most of the EU is willing to receive its supply on EU-size pallets. These pallets are metric and measure 120 cm * 80 cm.

More info, visit the European pooling system or EUR pallets (EPAL) Website

Canada and the European Union have both signed the Solid Wood Packing Material convention called ISPM 15 which calls for a marking of wood packing material.

Live Animals

Like Canada, France has signed the Washington Convention (CITES) protecting endangered species and limiting trading, and products derived from them (ivory, tortoise, shell, etc.).

The importing of some live animals is prohibited; for others it is subject to authorization ("derogation") and/or quarantine.

Agricultural and Food Products

Animal products must come from establishments approved by the EU. These include live seafood, seafood products, meat, meat-based products, dairy products and pet foods.

These products must be accompanied by appropriate sanitary certificates.

Some products can be imported commercially only by approved operators, and include tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

Some agriculture or food products must be approved prior to importation: GMOs and Novel Foods.

Food supplements must be registered to the appropriate French administration, DGCCRF. Their claims are strictly regulated.

Nutritional and health claims relatives to food products and food supplements are strictly regulated. Only those authorized by the European database can be used.

Travel or Displacement

If you're moving in France, visit the French Embassy to the USA’s website and the French Customs Douane française (in French only). Additional information can be found on Movers website.

Tariffs and Market Access Information

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, through the Multilateral Market Access Division (TMA), offers market access information like tariffs, taxes, rules of origin and some entry procedures to Canadian exporters. Information can be obtained by contacting TMA directly by mail at consultations@international.gc.ca


Sites with Tariff information: TARIC (European Union website). Canada and the European Union have concluded the CETA agreement, which provides for the elimination of customs duties on the majority of Canadian products imported into the EU. The full text is available on TCS website. The customs duties that apply under this agreement are available on Tarif Finder. Conditions of origin apply to benefit from preferential arrangements, they are available on TCS website.

Other taxes may apply (eg excise tax on alcohol, tax on oils), then the Value Added Tax or VAT.

July 2019

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