France–United Kingdom parcel shipping

ROUTE GUIDE • FRANCE

A parcel between France and the United Kingdom needs more than a destination country. Identify the exact territory, direction and purpose of the shipment before requesting an EPS quote. This guide covers preparation for mainland France and Great Britain, with Northern Ireland assessed separately.

Great Britain or Northern Ireland?

Great Britain means England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has different arrangements for goods moving with the EU, so provide the complete destination and postcode. Do not select Ireland for a UK address: the Republic of Ireland is a separate country.

Goods entering Great Britain from France are subject to customs formalities. Import VAT or duty may apply, depending on the goods and circumstances. See the UK government’s guidance on goods sent from abroad. Being a gift or a used item does not by itself remove the need for an accurate declaration.

Prepare a usable description and evidence of value

• Describe each type of item, quantity and realistic value, with the currency.
• State whether it is a sale, genuine private gift, personal belongings, a repair or a return.
• Keep the purchase invoice or other evidence of value available.
• Give the sender and recipient details exactly as required for the booking.

Ask EPS which commercial or pro forma invoice and other documents the selected service requires. Do not assume a postal CN22/CN23 form is the correct document for an express courier booking. For a business shipment, ask whether customs identifiers or additional product information are needed before collection.

Sending from Great Britain to France

The direction changes which import rules apply. For an arrival in mainland France, check the French customs guidance for private parcels. A purchase must not be described as a gift to obtain an exemption. A return or repair also requires a clear explanation and relevant previous shipment documents.

Agree responsibilities before the parcel leaves

Ask who will provide missing documents, who is expected to pay any import charges and how the recipient will be contacted. Customs duties, taxes and a carrier’s clearance service charges are different items. Request clarification in the offer instead of assuming that every charge is included in transport.

Allow time for document checks. A customs request, incomplete description or unanswered enquiry can delay delivery. An estimated transit time is not a guaranteed release date.

Route questions

Can I use the same paperwork for a return?

Keep the original references, but ask for instructions for the return movement. Do not reuse an outbound label or invoice unchanged if its direction, contents or purpose no longer matches.

Can I pack food or batteries in a personal parcel?

Do not assume these are accepted. Check the EPS contractual restrictions and obtain confirmation for the actual article and service before booking.

Request a route assessment

Send both postcodes, the exact territory, contents and purpose, number of cartons, packed dimensions and weight, desired collection date and recipient contact details. Mention any customs documentation already available.

Transport availability, accepted contents, documents and timing must be confirmed by EPS before booking. Shipping prices are supplied in an individual quote.

Request a quote for this route

Need help? Read the shipping questions and answers or contact EPS.