EuropeShipping Heavy Equipment to France
France is Europe's second-largest economy with diverse industrial sectors. Multiple major ports on Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts provide excellent access.
Main Ports
- Port of Le Havre
- Port of Marseille-Fos
- Port of Dunkirk
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- EU Customs Union
- CE Marking
- French Language Requirements
Common Cargo
- Aerospace Equipment
- Nuclear Equipment
- Industrial Machinery
Main Ports in France
Port of Le Havre
Major Seaport
Port of Marseille-Fos
Major Seaport
Port of Dunkirk
Industrial Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to France
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York / NJ | Port of Le Havre | Container / RoRo | 14–21 days |
| Houston, TX | Le Havre / Marseille-Fos | Breakbulk / Container | 18–26 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to France
We ship to France (Port of Le Havre) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 14-21 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for France
France applies the EU Common Customs Tariff to US-origin vehicles — about 10% duty on CIF — plus 20% national import VAT on the duty-inclusive value, cleared at Le Havre or Marseille-Fos. A CO2-based "malus écologique" can add a steep one-off penalty on registration.
- Import Duty
- 10% of CIF (EU Common Customs Tariff; ≈4.5% on parts)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 20% (national import VAT)
- Other Taxes & Fees
- CO2/weight "malus" on first registration can be very high; classic 30+ year relief may apply
Source: EU Common Customs Tariff (TARIC) / Douane française · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
No EU import age limit, but US-origin vehicles need EU type-approval or individual approval (DREAL) and must meet EU standards before registration.
Source: EU type-approval framework / DREAL · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
EU Customs Union
Standard EU customs procedures apply.
CE Marking
EU conformity marking required for equipment.
French Language Requirements
Documentation may require French translations for certain procedures.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for France
- Le Havre is the main Atlantic gateway; Marseille-Fos serves the Mediterranean and southern France.
- Budget for the CO2 malus on registration — it can exceed the duty + VAT for high-emission vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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