Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is not required for the import clearance of textiles.

The country or territory of origin must be stated on the invoice for each invoice line. If the customs authorities doubt the correctness of the declared country or territory of origin they may request an additional proof which might be a certificate of origin.

The Certificate of Origin must meet the following Customs stipulations:

• Must be an original form
• Must contain the shipper's original signature in ink
• Must be issued by the Chamber of Commerce
• Must contain a seal or watermark in the paper
• Must provide a detailed description of the goods. General descriptions of goods, such as "clothes" or "garments," will not be accepted

Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is not required for the import clearance of textiles.

The country or territory of origin must be stated on the invoice for each invoice line. If the customs authorities doubt the correctness of the declared country or territory of origin they may request an additional proof which might be a certificate of origin.

The Certificate of Origin must meet the following Customs stipulations:

• Must be an original form
• Must contain the shipper's original signature in ink
• Must be issued by the Chamber of Commerce
• Must contain a seal or watermark in the paper
• Must provide a detailed description of the goods. General descriptions of goods, such as "clothes" or "garments," will not be accepted

Declaration of Conformity

Declaration of Conformity (CE marking)
The European Community require certain standards on product safety for certain types of goods. The range of products covered by the directives must comply with the applicable directives when it is placed on the community market for the first time or put into use. Placing on the market in the meaning of the directives is the action of making a product available for the first time, either for payment or free of charge. 'Putting into service' takes place at the moment of first use within the Community by the end user (for example, produced for own use of the importer).

Range of products
The most important products are toys, in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, medical devices, machinery, low voltage equipment, safety devices (for example, helmets), exhaust systems and electromagnetic compatibility. For a full overview please see the EU website:

http://www.newapproach.org/Directives/DirectiveList.asp

Responsibilities
Manufacturers are defined as the persons responsible for designing and manufacturing products supposed to be placed on the EU market. The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure that a product intended to be placed on the Community market is designed and manufactured, and it's conformity assessed, to the essential requirements in accordance with the provisions of the directives. The manufacturer may appoint any natural or legal person, established in the European Union, to act on his behalf as an authorized representative.

The authorized representative may be addressed by the authorities of the member states in regard to the manufacturer's obligations.

The importer is defined as any legal or natural person responsible for placing products on the EU market. He is responsible to provide the market surveillance authority with the necessary information about the safety of the product and a copy of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). If the manufacturer is established in the EU or has a so called authorised representative it is his obligation to provide the necessary information.

Conformity Assessment Procedure
Goods subject to the regulations on product safety need to be tested according to the rules applying for each group of products. Manufacturers have to draw up an EC declaration of conformity which is the first step of the conformity assessment procedure. The declaration of conformity has to include technical information containing the way of testing and the steps to be taken to obtain the attestation of conformity. The way of testing and steps to be taken depends on the type of product. If the testing was successful the producer is allowed to apply the so called 'CE sign' on the product or where this is not applicable (for example, surgical instruments) at the retail package or on a "Declaration of Conformity" certificate. The "Declaration of Conformity" has to be issued by a notified body certified by a member state of the European Union.

Notified Body
A notified body is an organization certified by the national government to carry out the tasks of the conformity assessment procedures. They can offer their service to any economic operator inside and outside the European Community. They can carry out the tests or monitor the tests carried out by the manufacturer. They can carry out these activities inside the EU or on the territory of third countries or territories.

Information about notified bodies and notified bodies itself can be found on the EU website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/nando

For additional information, please also refer to "Product Safety".

Free Trade Agreements

Bilateral free trade agreements or unilateral autonomous preferential agreements allow the import clearance of certain products with a reduced duty rate or with a full duty exemption. The products benefiting from the preferential treatment must fulfil the necessary rules of originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement.

An exporter who wants his products to benefit from the preferential treatment must be able to prove that his products fulfill the rules to be originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement and they must provide a preferential document validated by the customs authorities or document with a valid preferential statement issued by themselves.

The preferential trade agreement foresees the following preferential proofs under CETA-see Miscellaneous.

Import License

Customs may require an import license for certain products from certain countries or territories, depending on the harmonized tariff code. The importer must obtain the import license from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The requirement of an import license depends on the country or territory of origin of the goods, not the country or territory of export. For further detailed information it is highly recommended to contact your chamber of commerce.

Miscellaneous

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Canada. Under this agreement duty rates on traded goods can be reduced or eliminated.

All exporters of consignments of goods with a value greater than 6000 EUR to Canada must be registered in the Registered Exporters System (REX). If you register and are exporting consignments of goods with a value greater than 6000 EUR to Canada you can avail of preferences under CETA. To register you should register complete the EU exporters to Canada application form and send it to the Origin and Valuation Unit.

Exporters must use their REX number on the origin declaration to claim preference under CETA. If you are importing from Canada, you can qualify under CETA for preferences, but you do not have to register in REX.

The origin declaration, the text of which is given below, must be completed in accordance with the footnotes. However, the footnotes do not have to be reproduced.

(Period: from___________ to __________(1)) The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No ...(2)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ...(3) preferential origin. ..(4) (Place and date) .(5) Signature and printed name of the exporter)__________________

(1) When the origin declaration is completed for multiple shipments of identical originating products within the meaning of Article 19.5, indicate the period of time for which the origin declaration will apply. The period of time must not exceed 12 months. All importations of the product must occur within the period indicated. Where a period of time is not applicable, the field can be left blank.

(2) For EU exporters: When the origin declaration is completed by an approved or registered exporter the exporter's customs authorization or registration number must be included. A customs authorization number is required only if the exporter is an approved exporter. When the origin declaration is not completed by an approved or registered exporter, the words in brackets must be omitted or the space left blank. For Canadian exporters: The exporter's Business Number assigned by the Government of Canada must be included. Where the exporter has not been assigned a business number, the field may be left blank.

(3) "Canada/EU" means products qualifying as originating under the rules of origin of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. When the origin declaration relates, in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate the symbol "CM".

(4) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.

(5) Article 19.3 provides an exception to the requirement of the exporter's signature. Where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name of the signatory.

The European Commission provides detailed guidance on the rules of origin in the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

MSDS-NON DG

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

Product Safety

Market Surveillance
Market Surveillance is organized and performed at national level. Each member state of the European Union (EU) is responsible for surveillance activities on its territory. Customs authorities are usually part of the market surveillance activities.

On customs request the "Declaration of Conformity" has to be provided by the shipper, the manufacturer or his assigned representative in the EU or the importer.

Declaration of Conformity
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a document in which the manufacturer, or his authorized representative within the EU, indicates that the product meets all the necessary requirements of the directives applicable for the specific product. The DoC shall contain the name and the address of the manufacturer along with information about the product (for example, brand and serial number). The DoC must be signed by an individual working for the manufacturer or his authorized representative.

On request, the manufacturer or his authorized representative within the EU must provide the DoC. In case the manufacturer is not an EU entity and has no authorized representative, the importer must be able to provide a copy of the DoC and additional proofs if requested.

National Requirements
For some commodities, the conformity with the product safety regulations must be declared by the importer within the customs declaration. The DoC is required as a valid proof for the safety of the products and their compliance with the directives. These commodities are everything with CE marking like:

• toys
• electronic equipment
• radio & telecommunication equipment
• medical devices
• sunglasses
• chemical substances
• measuring devices
• pressure equipment
• pyrotechnic articles

Spot checks are carried out. If no CE marking is found and no DoC can be provided, the shipment is RTS'd or seized. Abandonment is also possible.

Customs procedure time is 2-3 months.

No Information found on this topic for the selected country or territory.

Clearance Comments

All shipments to France must clear customs within 19 days, otherwise the shipment must be returned to the shipper (authorization is required).

Customs Clearance Process

EORI Number

For every formal customs declaration the identification number of the importer is mandatory. The identification number used in the European Union is called the EORI number (Economic Operators' Registration and Identification System).

The French EORI number is based on SIRET number. Companies who are VAT registered still have to apply for the registration of their EORI number which is mandatory for Customs declaration. Companies can apply for the registration at the PAE (Pole Action Economique) by phone or e/mail. Every declaration without the EORI number of the importer will be rejected by customs if the importer is a company.

Duty and Taxes

Please note that not only the value(s) of the commodity/commodities have to be considered when calculating duty and tax, but also the freight charge and other fees.

Post Office Boxes

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Service is provided to and from certain cities.

Service Agents are used in Corsica. There are three parties involved in Corsica: UPS, Service Agent ROCCA and Service Agent Sea Company SNCM.

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Rest Days:

Saturday, Sunday, and official holidays.

GMT:

Spring +0200/ Fall +0100

Language:

French

Currency:

European Monetary Unit (Euro)(EUR)

Shipping Charges

• Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
• When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.

Duties and Taxes

• Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
• If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.

Third-Party Billing

• Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
  • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories. For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).

Payment Methods

• When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges

Split Duty And VAT (SDV)

• The freight and duties can be billed to the shipper or a third party
• The taxes can be billed to the receiver or a third party
• A surcharge will be applied for the SDV billing option

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to France. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Animal Products

Products Of Animal Origin are goods which contain at least partly material derived from the body of an animal. These products can be divided in food or non-food.

Food means any substance, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is intended for human consumption, but does not include cosmetics or substances used only as pharmaceuticals.

Non-Food (not intended for human consumption) includes animal by-products, animal feed, samples for testing or research purposes (food-grade or non-food grade), and in vitro diagnostics (IVD).

Animal products and animal by-products are often subject to a veterinary inspection. These products can only be accepted under a special contract for International Special Commodities (ISC). In addition those products must undergo veterinary checks at an approved Veterinary Border Inspection Post (BIP) when entering the EU & EFTA countries or territories (EU regulations are aligned for EU countries or territories and NO; IS; CH; LI).

For UPS shipments arriving in the EU by air, Cologne is the first point of arrival /BIP. Inspections will be processed at Cologne but final customs clearance process will be issued in the destination country or territory.

Additional charges for Vet-inspection will be applicable see Brokerage Services and Charges.

Import requirements:

Generally, each type of Product of Animal Origin has specific import requirements that must be met. Food which is subject to veterinary inspections must:

Come from an EU listed Third Country or Territory (no safeguard measures in place)

Come from an EU approved establishment . Registered producers are listed under the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/third_en.htm

Be accompanied by appropriate Health Certificate(s), signed by a veterinarian of the competent authority of country or territory of export. Photocopies of the Health Certificate will not be accepted.

Be appropriately packaged and labelled, indicating the nature, ingredients, quantity/ weight, the country or territory of origin and manufacturer.

Any foodstuff coming from non-approved establishments, sent as samples for testing purposes, can only be imported with a permit/license from a respective national veterinary authority. The permit/license must be send to the border inspection point responsible for the veterinary inspection. Delays may occur as the license needs to be provided already at the time of inspection.

Any non-compliant shipment must be returned at shippers expense immediately. The following exemptions apply to non-commercial shipments / gift shipments or purchased by private individuals for private consumption):

Meat, meat products, animal fat - max. 10 kg from Faroe Island and Greenland.

Fish and fish products (with intestines and organs removed) - max. 20 kg from all third countries or territories; no limitation from Faroe Islands.

Other animal products (for example, honey, egg, frog, live mussels - max. 10 kg from Faroe Islands and Greenland, and max. 2 kg from all other third countries or territories).

Antiques

Antiques can be cleared with a duty rate of 0% and a reduced VAT rate if they are proven to be older than 100 years.

Artwork

Original artwork (for example, paintings, drawings, sculptures) can be imported with a duty rate of 0% and a reduced VAT rate.

Printings are accepted as artwork if they are made from a handmade plate or block and if the number of printings is limited to a very low number. The sequential number should be visible on the print.

Carpets

The invoice must include the dimensions in square meters and the composition of the material.

Films

The invoice of all audio visual commodities must list duration, a brief but satisfactory synopsis of the contents, whether the film is black and white or color, the length and width of the film, and the reason for importation.

Fish and Fish Products

Please see "Animal Products".

Food

Based on the EU regulation 2009/669/EC certain foodstuffs (for example tea with origin China)imported from certain third countries or territories are subject to increased level of official controls due to contamination risks of these products by aflatoxinson and pathogens. These controls are carried out at Designated Point of Entries (DPE) defined by each member state.

The import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station and not subject to vet inspection can only be imported into the EU through Designated Point of Entries (DPE). They must be accompanied by a declaration attesting that the goods are either harvested or processed before March 11, 2011, originated from a prefecture other than the ones affected by higher levels of radiation or if originated from an affected prefecture have been subjected to laboratory analysis determining the level of certain radionuclides (regulation 2011/297/EC).

The customs offices responsible for our import sites are not all defined as DPE. Commodities subject to import controls at a DPE can only be imported via UPS import ports where the responsible customs office is defined as DPE. Only site can be imported through is Paris CDG.

Food Supplements

Depending on the ingredients of food supplements, nutrial or diet supplements may be classified as medicine. A complete list of ingredients and their amounts must accompany the invoice to allow a correct classification by customs and avoid delays and additional costs. Please see additional information for 'Medicine'.

Honey

The European Union (EU) has placed an import ban on Honey from certain countries or territories.

Before shipping Honey to a European Union country or territory, it is highly recommended to contact your local chamber of commerce or your importer for detailed information.

If the importation is allowed by the European Union, the shipment must be accompanied by an original health certificate provided by the shipper/producer, otherwise, importation will not be possible. Furthermore, a vet inspection at the first point of arrival into the EU is required, even for sample shipments.

Brokerage accessorial charges will apply and an import delay may occur.

If the shipper fails to verify the import regulation of the destination country or territory and sends honey which is prohibited by the European Union, then all charges that may apply for the respective shipment will be billed back to the shipper.

Meat

Please see "Animal Products".

Medicine

Shipments of medicine must have an authorization agreement from the National Medicine Agency (NMA). Companies importing medicine on a regular basis must have permanent NMA authorization. The same applies for private importers even if its imported within personal effects.

Medicine for animals requires an authorization agreement from the Veterinary Agency that must be obtained by the importer. Accessorial charges may apply and import delays may occur.

The shipper (company or individual) must provide a detailed invoice with at least the following information per item:

• Brand name
• Product name
• Quantity Type (example: caps, bottle or capsule)

All imports described as only "medicine" are currently being held by customs.

Commodities which are not registered medicine but classified as medicine by the authorized department according to the ingredients must be handled according to the rules for medicine. Food supplements classified as medicine can not be imported by private individuals because of a missing NMA authorization.

Mineral Water

Only private consumers are allowed to import small quantities of mineral water for personal consumption.

Companies are not allowed to import mineral water and sample shipments are also prohibited.

Other

Carpets
An additional day is required for customs clearance of Carpets. The invoice must include the quantity in square meters and the composition.

Safety Headgear
Imports of safety headgear for bicycles and motor bikes require a Certificate of Conformity. This applies for all countries or territories to ensure items meet European Union standards. The article must have "CE" stamped or written on it.

Video Games
All shipments containing video games (devices as well as software) must be accompanied by a text label. A text label must be placed inside the package and also displayed on the outside of the packaging, warning of the risk of epilepsy due to the games use, and detailing precautionary statements. Shipments not complying may be detained by Customs.

Parts

The invoice must include a description of the part, the type of machine for which the part is used, and a list of the part's components.

Samples

Small numbers of samples of negligible value and for non commercial use can be imported free of duty and VAT. Samples are only accepted for duty and VAT free import if mutilated or marked in a way which makes it impossible to sell them. The invoice must clearly state that the samples are mutilated or marked.

Shoes

In order to avoid wrong customs declarations at import, it is mandatory that the exporter provide very detailed information about the shoes (for example, what kind of leather, what material used for soles and uppers, what kind of shoes (sport shoes, sandals, boots), who is to wear the shoes (children, women, men).

Test Reagent

Most of modern test reagents for diagnostic research are built on antibodies which are generated from animal tissue. There are two types of antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies are generated in vitro. Tissue from animals are taken (e.g. blood) and infected with certain substances or pathogens. The blood cells react with the production of antibodies which are than harvested and used for the production of the test kits. Due to the in vitro production and the controlled way of production those types of test kits are not subject to veterinarian control if it is a commercial production.

Polyclonal antibodies are gained from living animals like rabbits. They are infected with the substances / pathogens and the animals are producing antibodies. The antibodies are harvested from the blood stream of the animals. Test reagents with polyclonal antibodies are subject to vet inspections.

Shipment documents (commercial invoice or declaration on letterhead) should include:

the place of origin of the material

the quantity of the material, in weight or volume

a description of the material/ animal source

catalogue number and price (if available)

additives (e.g., sodium azide, glycerol), their source (e.g., whole serum, supernatant, ascites), and purification, if any.

protocols the recommended protocol or datasheet indicating any unique fixation, detergent, blocking, or incubation conditions.

the intended use (commercial/ manufacturing; research/ testing)

the name and address of the shipper

the name and address of the receiver

Commercially packaged, ready-to-use In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) containing products of animal of origin, do not require a Vet-inspection, if compliant with Directive 98/79/EC on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices. A declaration of conformity (CE-marking) must be provided for each individual commodity (e.g. reagents, test kits, immunosorbent assays such as ELISA kits).

Textiles

To import textile shipments as samples, they must be marked or mutilated in a way that ensures the use only as a sample only. The shipment must include only the number of samples necessary for the purpose of testing. The shipper must write "marked/mutilated samples with no commercial value" on all export documentation.

A certificate of origin is not required for the import clearance of textiles. The need of a certificate of origin for the import clearance was reversed on October 24, 2011.

The country or territory of origin must be stated on the invoice for each invoice line. If the customs authorities doubt the correctness of the declared country or territory of origin they may request an additional proof which might be a certificate of origin.

Toys

The importation of all toys into France requires a Certificate of Conformity. This applies to shipments from all countries or territories.

According to European law (EU Norme), the toy must have a "CE" sign written or stamped on it, certifying that the toy complies with EU standards and safety regulations. Shippers should verify that the consignee has the correct documentation available ("Dossier de Fabrication" / verification of manufacturing) in order to allow proper Customs clearance. Shipments of toys without a "CE" sign or without a Conformity Certificate will be seized and destroyed by Customs, including gift shipments. These toys cannot be returned to the shipper. The consignee may obtain a certificate from the Laboratory National D' Essai to receive a toy sample for analysis.

The Customs limit for samples of toys is four identical pieces. The consignee must send a fax in order to receive approval by the Laboratory National D' Essai. A copy of the certificate must be sent to the shipper and must be attached to the invoice when the shipment is shipped. The shipper or the consignee must provide UPS with a copy of the certificate along with the shipment in order to reduce delays.

USB Sticks

Data shipments require an invoice with the character of the USB stick (storing intercompany data) and the value of the USB Stick.

Vitamins

Depending on the ingredients,vitamins may be classified as medicine. A complete list of ingredients and their amounts must accompany the invoice to allow a correct classification by customs and avoid delays and additional costs. Please see additional information for 'Medicine'.

Shipment value amount:

45.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro) EUR

Shipment type:

individual-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per shipment

Invoice

Non-document shipments to France must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice.

Shipments of documents do not require an invoice.

The consignee's telephone number is required on the invoice for shipments to private individuals with a value above 22.00 EUR.

The consignee's mobile number and e-mail address should also appear on the invoice if available.

Customs Valuation

The customs value has to be the value of the imported goods. The customs value shall be based on the transaction value which is the actual price of the goods plus adjustment for certain elements. Freight charges are the most common element for adjustment.

For cases in which there is no transaction value the methods of valuation are defined in the legal framework of the Customs Code of the European Union. The basic rules are defined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). For further information please see check the WTO website: www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/cusval_e/cusval_info_e.htm

The most important elements which has to be taken into account beside of the price are freight charges and insurance. If the freight charges are included in the invoice (for example indicated by the incoterm CIF) the freight charges still has to be shown on the invoice. Freight charges not shown on the invoice has to be taken from the freight tables published and calculated by UPS systems.

Where Incoterms applied, this should include the city shipped to, for example DDP Paris where shipped Free Domicile. This will help to avoid clearance delays.

The freight charges taken into account for the calculation of the customs value have to include fuel surcharges.

Undervalued items may cause customs fines for the importer.

Unacceptable Data Entries

Europe customs authorities have started to inspect shipments on Import Control System (I.C.S.).

Many of the inspected shipments were obviously selected because of the inadequate description of the goods.

This is a reminder that shipments to all European Union member states, Norway and Switzerland, must have a correctly keyed description of the goods on the invoice (for example):

Unacceptable	Acceptable
Apparel	Men's Shirts, Lingerie, Girls' Vests, Boys', Jackets
Auto Parts	Automobile Brakes, Windshield Glass for Automobiles
Electronics	Computers, televisions, CD Players, Walkmans, Tape Recorders, Mobile phones, Monitors, Printers
Gifts	Dolls, Remote Control Cars Household goods Plates, Dishes, Tableware

A list has been published in the 'Guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable terms for the description of goods for exit and entry summary declarations':

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/policy_issues/customs_security/
acceptable_goods_description_guidelines_en.pdf

Paperless Invoice - Exports

UPS Paperless Invoice is available for small package exports from this country or territory.

Paperless Invoice - Imports

UPS Paperless Invoice is accepted by Customs for small package imports into this country or territory.

The destination country or territory classifies the following items as document shipments. The items must have no commercial value. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet the criteria to classify as a document shipment.

Airline Tickets

Validated airline tickets only

Annual Reports

Must be for shareholders or for intercompany use only.

Bids

Blueprints

Must be for intercompany use or a bid invitation (such as architectural plans to obtain a contract inside the European Union) and have no commercial value.

Brochures

Must be non-commercial brochures or for intercompany use only.

Business Cards

Document limit: up to 15 business cards

Checks

Must be personalized checks

Credit Cards

Personalized credit cards

Diplomas

Documents

Documents (paper) of no commercial value will be cleared without any import charges up to a total weight of 20 kg.

Documents with a total weight above 20 kg may require additional information and a more detailed description. A formal customs declaration may be necessary if the documents will not be classified as 'duty free' documents according to the Customs legislation. In the event of a formal declaration, an invoice and a customs value is required. Duty and VAT may apply.

Drivers License

Event Tickets

Tickets for events like stage performances, football matches or concerts can be sent as documents provided they are sent in an Express envelope and the value does not exceed 22 Euros.

Event tickets coming from a printing company and sent to the organizer of the event or ticket sales offices can not be sent as documents.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are plastic magnetic cards (similar to credit cards) with a specific value assigned/debited to the card to purchase food, goods, or other merchandise typically relating to only one specific business or retailer. Only up to 5 gift cards can be considered as documents.

Greeting Cards, Invitations

Must be personalized to be considered documents.
Non-personalized greeting cards and invitations are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Intercompany Data on CD-Rom/Disk

Intercompany data on CD-Rom/Disk of no commercial value will be classified as documents, no Duty or VAT will apply.

Manuals (Technical)

Up to 2 manuals (with no monetary value) can be considered as documents.

Negatives

Must be negatives, slides, or printing films being sent to press or publishing agencies.
If the value includes press or editorial charges, the items are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Newsletters (Company)

Document: intercompany shipments for intercompany use with no commercial value
Non-document: shipments from a publisher or printing company

Newspapers

Must be for non-commercial purposes

Stationery

Must be personalized stationery and have no commercial value. The amount (number of pieces) must be appropriate for non-commercial use.

Traveler's Checks

Must be personalized to be considered documents.

Visa Applications

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to France.

Alcoholic Beverages

Shipping of alcoholic beverages is only permitted ISC contract service. A customs clearance of alcohol for free circulation with a subsequent transport of alcohol under the excise duty suspension regime is not possible. The customs clearance in France and the subsequent transport to another EU member state is not part of the service.

The maximum amount of alcoholic beverages per consignee is 10 litres of spirits or liquor, 90 litres of wine, 20 litres of intermediate products, 60 litres for sparkling wine and 110 litres for beer. The clearance of alcoholic beverages is a non-routine entry. Additional charges apply.

Alcoholic beverages are subject to excise duty. Excise duty applies usually on the amount of beverage and the percentage of alcohol. The information must be shown on the invoice. The contractual service covers the customs clearance of alcohol at the border where duty, VAT and excise duty must be paid. Additional rules apply on the import of wine and wine products. Please check under 'wine'.

CITES Shipments

Endangered plants and animals protected by the multilateral treaty of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), must be accompanied by a valid CITES Certificate.

All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.

Shipper needs to provide the following documentation:

Invoice with the scientific name and CITES certificate.

Additional charges will be applicable. Products of animals or plants subject to CITES can only be accepted under a special contract for International Special Commodities (ISC).

Gambling Devices

Only licensed casinos are allowed to import gambling devices from certain shippers (manufacturers) into France. For detailed information, please contact your chamber of commerce

Jewelry

Precious metal (silver, gold, platinum, etc.) needs quantity and grammas per piece detailed on the invoice. The merchandise description must mention on the invoice if Jewelry is with or without precious stones. Jewelry cannot be cleared through simplified customs procedure. An import delay of 1 day may occur and brokerage accessorial charges may apply.

UPS Brokerage import site Paris/CDG slic 3419 is not allowed to Customs process jewelry with precious or semi- precious stone. If jewelry contains precious or semi- precious stone, importer must provide alternate broker of his choice who is able to handle it.

Knives

Shipments containing knives which are over 15 cm in length double edged with no safety between the blade and handle and thickness over 4 mm. need authorization from the Ministry of Defense (AIMG authorization form).

Melatonin

Also includes DHEA. Import is prohibited.

Miscellaneous

Cavier
Import of Cavier is prohibited by the CITES, even for gifts.

Creatine
Shipments of creatine are prohibited.

Personal Effects

Customers must use an authorized UPS / MBE (Mail Boxes Etc) Store, UPS Customer Center or an ISC approved shipper to ship personal effects. The UPS Store, Mail Boxes Etc., UPS Customer Center and ISC approved shipper will be required to identify personal effect shipments on the shipping label by placing "ISC-Personal Effects" in the Reference Field of a UPS "smart" label or in the Special Instructions Field of a UPS waybill. They must also clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' shipment on the Commercial Invoice.

Personal Effects are classified as used items (owned for a minimum of 6 months) intended for the consignee's personal use. Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis. "Personal Effects" must be clearly stated on the invoice and goods description.

An inventory list with estimated values, the reason for importation (holidays, move), a confirmation that the goods are older than 6 months and that they are intended for personal use only is needed. A photocopy of passport or ID card is also needed and all of these documents must be scanned into DIS/SIR and originals on package.

Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis.

Excisable goods (e.g. perfume, alcoholic drinks, tobacco), medicine and perishable food can not be cleared as personal effects. Personal effects shipments are not allowed in combination with Return Services.

Plants

According to the customs legislation, living plants, parts of plants, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds are considered to be plants.

A Phytosanitary inspection can only be done at the airport in Paris CDG. If the shipment arrives at another UPS import site, customs there is no one assigned to do a Phytosanitary inspection. The shipment must be forwarded to an alternate broker (assigned by the importer). Import delays may occur and accessorial charges may apply.

Products which are subject to phytosanitary inspection have to be stored in an outside warehouse for cooling purposes and arranging the phytosanitary inspections. The outside storage and the phytosanitary inspection cause additional charges. Delays are most likely.

Certain plants which are also classified as food (for example, fruits, nuts, spices) are subject to additional restrictions. Fur further information please see 'Food'.

Plants can only be shipped on contractual base for Special International Commodities.

Plastic Kitchenware

The European Union (EU) has implemented specific conditions and detailed procedures for the import of plastic kitchenware (HS-Code 3924 1000 11) made of polyamide and melamine and originated in or consigned from China or Hong Kong (regulation 284/2011). Tableware (for example, plates, flatware, cups) are excluded from the restrictions. The reason for the new regulation were notifications and alerts by the European 'Rapid Alert System'- kitchen tableware was recognized which exceed the thresholds of aromatic amines and formaldehyde released into food.

Based on the regulation, controls must be performed at the point of introduction into the EU by the competent authorities. They include documentary checks on all consignments and identity or physical checks (including laboratory checks) on 10% of the consignments. All consignments of kitchen tableware (HS code 3924 1000) originated or consigned from China or Hong Kong must be accompanied by a declaration confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde. The declaration shall be accompanied by a laboratory report that the consignments fulfill the requirements.

The goods and declaration must be examined at the first point of introduction into the EU.

The consignments shall be notified at the first point of introduction at least two working days in advance.

Our main points of entry (Cologne, Germany and East Midlands, United Kingdom) are not competent to perform the checks and forwarding under bond is prohibited without the checks. Products covered by the new regulation and destined to the EU can't be accepted by UPS. Exporters should clearly state on the invoice the material and the country or territory of origin of plastic kitchenware to avoid holds on commodities not subject to the regulation.

Seeds

A Phytosanitary inspection can only be done at the airport in Paris CDG. If the shipment arrives at another UPS import site, there is no one assigned to do a Phytosanitary inspection. The shipment must be forwarded to an alternate broker (assigned by the importer) or forwarded under customs bond to UPS at Paris CDG. Import delays may occur and accessorial charges may apply.

Tobacco Products

All tobacco products are subject to excise duty.

The import of tobacco products can only be accepted on a contractual base for International Special Commodities.

The exact type and quantity of tobacco products must be stated on the invoice.

Commercial shipments imported for resale can only be imported by a certain licensed importer.

Private persons are allowed to import up to 50 cigarettes as a gift for personal use only from another private person. Private individuals are not allowed to buy tobacco products in third countries or territories. Importation of tobacco products bought by private individuals in a third country or territory is only allowed in personal luggage up to certain amounts but not within shipments. For detailed information, please contact your chamber of commerce.

Wine

Shipping of alcoholic beverages is only permitted ISC contract service. For general service restrictions please see info under alcoholic beverages.

Wine and wine products are subject to excise duty. The excise duty is calculated based on the alcoholic strength by volume. This information must be shown on the invoice. The import of wine and wine products, is also regulated by a market organization of the European Union with rules on labelling and presentation of wine and additional documentation.

The Importation of wine and wine products are subject to the presentation of:

• A certificate showing drawn up by a competent body, included on a list to be made public by the Commission, in the products country or territory of origin.

• And an analysis report drawn up by a body or department designated by the products country or territory of origin, in so far as the product is intended for direct human consumption.

No certificate or analysis report need be presented for products originating in and exported from third countries or territories in labelled containers of not more than five litres fitted with a non-reusable closing device where the total quantity transported, whether or not made up of separate consignments, does not exceed 100 litres.

The labels of wine and wine products have to show some the following compulsory particulars like the category of the product (e.g. wine, sparkling wine, liquor wine), the protected designation or protected geographical indication if the wine has such a protection, the actual alcohol strength by volume, an indication of provenance, an indication of the bottler or an indication of the producer or vendor in case of sparkling wine and other product categories of sparkling wine.

The rules are laid down in EU regulation 2009/491. The regulation can be checked on the EU website http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html.

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

Canada to France

• UPS Worldwide Expedited

• UPS Worldwide Express

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus

• UPS Worldwide Express Saver

• UPS WorldWide Express Freight

Embassy or Consulate

The Embassy or Consulate may provide a special Customs clearance form. Write "embassy or consulate goods" on the invoice for customs clearance. Customs does not charge duty or taxes for embassy or consulate goods if the special customs clearance form is available. An import delay may occur.

Inward Processing (Repair & Return)

Inward Processing Relief (repair ,processing and return)

The customs procedure of inward processing is used for goods which will be repaired inside the European Union and re-exported after repair. Under this import procedure the goods stay under customs control until re-exportation under customs control.

The importer is obliged to re-export the items during the determined period granted for repair within the import declaration for inward processing. If the deadline for re-export is exceeded duty and VAT become due. Customs inspections with both import and re-export clearance is most likely.

Customs will not permit this procedure if goods are exempt from duty according to the tariff code and the importer can deduct the import VAT as deductable input VAT at his finance department.

Business

UPS does not offer the service of clearance under the Temporary Import Procedure. The goods have to be declared as definite import, duty and tax apply. Forwarding under bond to another customs broker assigned by the importer is possible. Additional charges apply.

Other Shipment Types

Solid Wood Packing Material

A temporary emergency measure has been adopted by the European Commission. Certain coniferous solid wood packing materials are subjected to any of three specified treatments before it may import to the European Union, to prevent the introduction of pine wood nematode.

Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums & similar items, pallets, pallet collars, box pallets & other load boards whether or not used in the transport of objects are affected by this measure.

Wood packaging must be subject to one of the following treatments:

• Heat treated or kiln dried to a minimum core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes in a closed chamber or kiln that has been tested, evaluated & officially approved for this purpose.
• Chemical pressure impregnation with an approved chemical in accordance with an official recognized technical specification.
• Fumigated with an approved chemical in accordance with an official recognized technical specification.

Packaging must display markings indicating where & by whom it was treated.

Certificates or forms of any kind are not required. Marking of the solid wood packing material is the only recognized compliance method for emergency measures.

Additional information & inspection companies contact numbers:

• CA: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/woode.shtml or Canadian Food Inspection Agency 1-800-442-2342 or 613-225-2342
• CN: www.aqsiq.gov.cn or contact the State General Administration of the People's Republic of China for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine
• JP: www.pps.go.jp/english/eindex03.htm or Plant Protection Div. of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries 03-3502-8111 ext. 3832
• US: www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwp.html or USDA APHIS Export Services 301-734-4382

Outward Processing (after repair)

Outward Processing Relief (Goods re-imported after repair)

In order to qualify for any exemption from duties and taxes when re-importing repaired goods, the initial export declaration must have been the outward processing procedure. The initial export documentation needs to be available for the re-import declaration. Without these preconditions only declaration into free circulation is possible, duty and VAT will be payable on the value of the goods in addition to any repair costs.

Provided the correct initial export documentation is available no duty or VAT applies for a warranty repair when re-importing. When charges occur to the re-importer for the repair and / or repair parts / labor costs etc., duty and VAT will be raised on these charges only.

The invoice must clearly state "return after repair", the type of repair (warranty repair or charges for repair), also the value of the commodity before repair, as well as any charges to re-importer. Customs inspections with both export and re-import clearance is most likely. The Outward Processing Relief has to be handled by the broker who raised the initial export declaration for outward processing. Due to the fact that UPS does not offer the service of raising any kind of special export procedures (for example, outward processing, temporary export) the shipments has to be forwarded under bond to the broker who raised the export declaration on outward processing.

Otherwise the shipments have to be imported as definite importation, duty and VAT apply.

Repaired Goods

If the repaired goods arrive at the UPS ports of entry and were not temporarily exported by an alternate broker,then the goods must be cleared as normal imports with duty & VAT payment on the total invoice value (value of the goods + repair costs).

Returned Goods

Goods being returned to France can be re-imported without applying duty and tax under the following conditions: The goods have not been repaired or worked on while being in export country or territory; they have been in export country or territory no more than three years; the re-importer can proof the export with the initial export documents. The reason for the return should be stated on the invoice (for example, refused by consignee or not conform to the goods ordered etc.)

Customs requires an invoice for each shipment of returned goods. French Customs must be alerted of the shipment in advance to import the shipment free of duty and taxes.

UPS France must contact the consignee for proof of export, complete the documentation, and alert French Customs. Duty and taxes apply if this procedure is not completed before importation. Import delays may occur and accessorial charges may apply.

Solid Wood Packing Material

New requirements have been implemented for both small package and WWEF shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.

Temporary Import

Within the customs procedure of temporary importation goods designated to be imported for a limited amount of time and remaining in the same state can be cleared without duty and VAT. The imported goods are often intended for exhibition purposes, testing purposes or presenting to potential customers. The goods may not be processed or changed while remaining in the EU. The goods remain under customs control till the re-export under customs control.

Goods imported with the customs procedure of temporary importation are subject to the provision of a security. The security covers duty and taxes and will be calculated on the base of the customs value used for a declaration for free circulation. The security has to be paid on deposit by the importer cash on delivery. The security will be reimbursed by customs when re-exporting the goods under customs control. Customs inspections with both import and re-export clearance is most likely.

UPS does not offer the service of clearance under the Temporary Import Procedure. The goods have to be declared as definite import, duty and tax apply. Forwarding under bond to another customs broker assigned by the importer is possible. Additional charges apply.

WEEE and RoHS

The European Union implemented a directive restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in all Electronic & Electrical Equipment effective July 1, 2006. This directive is called the RoHS Directive (2005/618/EC), which stands for the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

The RoHS directive is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods.

These directives will ban the placing on the EU market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) (PBB and PBDE are flame retardants used in some plastics).

Manufacturers (and distributors and individual sellers) will need to understand the requirements of the RoHS/WEEE Directives to ensure that their products, and their components, comply. Goods falling under these categories do not require any accompanying documentation for importation.

For more information on the EU directives, please check the following European Union web link or contact your local chamber of commerce: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/faq_weee.pdf

Import value limits to France

Deminimis Value

Private Shipments

The limit whereby VAT will not be charged remains at 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro). Shipments with a value above 22.00 EUR need to be customs cleared as a formal entry.

Duty - In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty free but tax is raised.

This regulation does not apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and perfume.

The limit whereby VAT will not be charged remains at 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro). Shipments with a value above 22.00 EUR need to be customs cleared as a formal entry.

Duty - In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty free but tax is raised.

This regulation does not apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and perfume.

Maximum weight:

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package

Maximum length:

274.00 cm (107.9 in.)  per package

Maximum dimensions:

419 cm (165 in. ) per package

Length and girth combined

Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.