Shipping from Dubai to FranceShipping from Dubai to France, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to France for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Nice and Lyon, and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to Le Havre and Marseille-Fos. We prepare export papers and check what the French importer needs from French Customs (DGDDI), including the EORI number and import VAT reverse charge.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to France at a glance
Marseille-Fos on the Mediterranean is the first French port from the Gulf via Suez; Le Havre serves Paris and the north.
- Flight time
- About 7 h DXB to Paris
- Sea
- Jebel Ali to Marseille-Fos via Suez
- Customs
- DGDDI, French Customs
- VAT
- 20% standard
Airports and seaports in France we ship to
Choose Marseille-Fos for the south and Le Havre for Paris and the north.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | CDG | Paris Charles de Gaulle, France's main cargo airport | |
| Airports | NCE · LYS | For the south-east | |
| Seaport | FRMRS | France's main Mediterranean port | |
| Seaport | FRLEH | Main container port for Paris and the north |
Air, sea to France
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to CDG, NCE or LYS | About 1 to 2 days, plus clearance | Luxury, parts, high value | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Marseille-Fos or Le Havre | Several weeks, routing dependent | Stock and materials |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to French ports | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to France
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Air France Cargo
Sea transit depends on Suez Canal routing. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in France: what the importer needs
The French importer, or a customs representative, files the import declaration with French Customs.
| Item | In France |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | French Customs (DGDDI) |
| Declaration | Electronic import declaration in the French customs system |
| Importer registration | EU EORI number |
| Duty and tax | EU Common Customs Tariff, plus 20% VAT standard rate |
| Trade agreement | No EU-UAE free trade agreement in force at the time of writing |
VAT-registered businesses in France account for import VAT on their VAT return (reverse charge).
Approvals to check before booking
EU product rules apply, with French labelling requirements.
- 01
CE marking
Many products need CE marking under EU law.
- 02
REACH chemicals
Chemicals and some articles must meet EU REACH rules.
- 03
Food and plant checks
Food and products of animal or plant origin face EU border checks.
- 04
French labelling
Consumer goods need French-language labels and instructions.
- 05
Registered businesses declare import VAT on their return.
- 06
ICS2 filing
Carriers file safety data before goods arrive in the EU.
Documents for shipping to France
Send these with your booking. We check the EORI and consignee name before the cargo leaves Dubai.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| Identifies the EU importer | |
| Certificate of origin | Supports the origin declared |
Restricted or banned in France
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons without a licence
- Dual-use goods without a licence
- Endangered species without CITES permits
- Some animal and plant products
France enforces counterfeit rules strictly, including on goods carried for sale.
What UAE businesses ship to France
France is a major European trade partner of the UAE, especially in luxury and aerospace.
- 01
Luxury and jewellery
High-value goods by air with insurance.
- 02
Aluminium and metals
UAE aluminium and metal products.
- 03
Aerospace parts
Parts and returns, by air.
Dubai to France shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneMarseille-Fos suits the south, and Le Havre suits Paris and the north. Ships from the Gulf reach Marseille-Fos first after the Suez Canal. Le Havre connects to Paris by the Seine, rail and road. We choose based on the buyer's location and current sailings.
- Air lands at Paris CDG.
- Routing affects timing.
VAT-registered businesses use the reverse charge. Since 2022, they declare import VAT on their VAT return instead of paying it to customs at the border. The standard rate is 20%. Businesses not registered in France pay VAT at import, often through a customs representative.
- Duty is still paid at import.
- An EORI is needed.
Yes, consumer goods need French-language information. Labels, instructions and safety information must be in French under French law. Products must also meet EU rules such as CE marking. Check labels before the goods leave Dubai, because relabelling in France adds cost and delay.
- Luxury goods often fly.
- Keep compliance files ready.
The importer needs an EU EORI number and a customs declaration. A customs representative usually files it with French Customs. Duty follows the EU tariff, and import VAT is handled through the VAT return for registered businesses. Products must meet EU and French rules.
- The Dubai seller does not need an EORI.
- We supply matching export papers.