Importing from China to France: EORI first
A business buyer in France needs EORI registration before customs operations. Agree a direct China-to-France shipment and ask your own customs broker to confirm product requirements and the final entry. Factory sourcing, document coordination and checks in China are handled by Cambridge China Bridge.
Start with the French importer's EORI
French customs states that EORI registration is compulsory before any customs operation in a Member State. For your business purchase from China, check your registration with French customs before committing to shipment. Give your own customs broker the importing company's details and ask them to check that the registration is usable for your entry.
Agree in writing which company will import the goods. Keep that identity consistent across the order, shipping instructions and broker brief. Our guide for buyers outside the UK explains the procurement arrangement; this guide adds the French registration gate and document handover.
Get a quote to your named French port
We can source from Chinese factories through our UK company and quote to your own French port. The goods can travel directly from China to France. State the port and agreed delivery term, then ask the quote to identify freight, insurance, destination handling and any exclusions. Ask your broker to budget clearance, taxes and onward delivery separately.
Use our buy-through-UK-company service to agree the purchasing scope and counterparty. The Ireland import guide explains the comparable direct-shipment arrangement for another EU destination; use your French broker for the French entry.
Settle product evidence before production
EORI registration and product conformity are separate checks. Your Europe states that an importer must ensure imported products conform to EU law; products that do not conform cannot be imported. Before approving production, ask a product compliance specialist to identify the requirements for your exact product and intended use in France.
Send the factory a written evidence brief covering applicable tests, declarations, labels and instructions. Ask the specialist to review French-language artwork before printing. Match test reports to the ordered model, materials and components, and investigate differences. Keep laboratory evidence separate from the inspection report.
Prepare the documents your broker will use
Agree the document list with your broker before ordering. The Chinese factory supplies product details, packing data and available test reports; we coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list with the actual seller and factory. We also coordinate a certificate of origin where your broker asks for one. Ask the broker to confirm the issuer and acceptable form before arranging it.
Send draft documents for review before dispatch. Check seller and buyer names, product descriptions, quantities, carton counts, weights and delivery terms against the order. For arrival clearance, your own broker handles the declaration, confirms classification, origin, customs value, duties and import VAT, and coordinates any document queries. French customs explains that the declaration is used to calculate duties and taxes. Your broker confirms the final entry.
Check the supplier and release the shipment
Our own staff in China check the supplier's identity, production site, relevant equipment and ability to make the agreed specification. We compare the licence, quoted company and payment account, and investigate unexplained differences. Our factory verification guide explains these checks rather than treating a supplier's sales presentation as proof.
Before shipment, we inspect against your approved sample and written acceptance criteria, including product condition, packaging and agreed labels. Record defects, corrective work and the buyer's release decision; arrange a loading check where agreed. Our audit and inspection report guide explains what each report proves. Send us your specification, quantities, French port and broker's evidence list to start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need EORI to import from China into France?
For a business import, EORI registration is compulsory before customs operations. Check your importing company's registration with French customs and your own broker before shipment.
Can I buy through a UK company and ship to France?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can manage sourcing and checks in China and quote to your French port. Agree the purchasing scope and have your own customs broker handle the French entry.
Does a quote to my French port include import taxes?
Ask for written inclusions and exclusions. Have your own broker confirm duties, import VAT, clearance, destination charges and onward delivery before comparing the port quote with your total budget.
Which documents should I get from the Chinese factory?
Agree a commercial invoice, packing list and applicable test reports, plus a certificate of origin where your broker requests it. We coordinate the document pack; your broker confirms what is acceptable for the final entry.