Sending parcels from the UK to France

Confirm the French address before preparing the declaration

Ask the recipient for the complete French address, including postcode, locality and any business department or building detail needed for delivery. Retain the address as supplied rather than inventing a translated approximation.

Check the exact destination territory with the carrier. A country name alone is not a complete routing or customs description, and a price or delivery aim for one route must not be promised for another.

A commercial sale needs a consistent invoice record

French Customs’ distance-purchase guidance explains the documents used for clearance and distinguishes a commercial invoice from a pro-forma document for goods sold for export to the EU. Check the actual requirement with the selected provider before dispatch.

Prepare the seller, buyer, item description, quantity, value and currency accurately. A total of two items at £15 is £30 of goods; do not place the unit value in a total-value field. Keep origin information distinct from the UK dispatch address.

Make the import-payment question explicit

The French Customs guide explains the roles of carriers and customs in the delivery and charges process. Ask the booking provider who will pay any applicable import amounts and handling charges, rather than assuming the recipient will know.

Current EU changes for covered distance sales need a fresh check. This page does not calculate VAT or duty and does not state that a low-value sale is automatically exempt. Personal gifts and returns need their own description and evidence.

Pack for the chosen network, then keep evidence

Check carrier and destination restrictions before sending food, liquids, cosmetics, batteries or other special-care goods. Use a sound shipping carton and measure after all protection is in place. Do not use the unpacked item dimensions in a parcel enquiry.

Retain the declaration, invoice or other value evidence, label reference and physical handover receipt. If a charge or delivery query arises, ask the seller or shipping provider for the corresponding process; SelectaParcel does not hold the shipment record.

If a parcel is being returned

French Customs publishes specific information about returns and tax questions. Keep the original import/purchase records and ask which return evidence is required. A return label alone does not settle whether a tax reimbursement is available.

Use the official customs source for the current procedure, and follow the carrier’s own instructions for handing over the returned parcel. Do not copy the outward declaration without checking its purpose and values.

Questions worth clearing up