Top 10 Freight Forwarders from China to France (2026 Edition)

The top 10 freight forwarders from China to France in 2025 are DFH Logistics, Freightos, Sino-Shipping, Winsky Freight, TSL France, Dantful Logistics, YunExpress, China Freight, RailBridge Europe, and Flexport.

These companies specialize in DDP air and sea shipping, rail, and express solutions that simplify EU customs, VAT/EORI registration, and CE-certified cargo delivery from major Chinese ports like Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Shanghai to French destinations such as Paris, Le Havre, and Lyon.

Importing from China to France is more challenging than ever. Many importers struggle with French customs clearance, VAT declaration, and labeling compliance. Others face high costs, slow shipping, or confusing paperwork. After 12 years at DFH Logistics, I’ve helped thousands of European importers overcome these obstacles through efficient DDP solutions that include pickup, consolidation, customs, and door delivery.

In this article, I’ll show you how to select the right freight forwarder, the available routes, and the most trusted logistics partners serving the China–France trade lane.

How We Selected the Top 10 Freight Forwarders from China to France?

Our ranking is based on service reliability, customs expertise, pricing transparency, and verified client performance.

Conflict of Interest Note: DFH Logistics is included using the same evaluation standards as other companies. The goal is to help importers make informed, objective choices based on actual logistics performance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Freight Forwarder from China to France

A capable forwarder should simplify your logistics, not complicate it.
Before booking, evaluate your partner in these five areas:

1. EU Compliance & Documentation
   Ensure your forwarder understands French VAT, EORI registration, CE marking, and REACH standards. Missing any certificate can lead to customs detention at Le Havre or Roissy CDG.

2. Multimodal Coverage
   France accepts sea (FCL/LCL), air, rail, and truck routes from China. A professional forwarder will design DDP solutions combining speed + cost efficiency.

3. Transparent All-Inclusive Quotes
   Ask for DDP pricing that includes duties, VAT, and delivery to final address. It protects you from hidden terminal fees and VAT surprises.

4. Local Support in France
   Choose forwarders with local agents or partners in France for smooth customs and last-mile delivery to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or Bordeaux.

5. Communication & Tracking
   Time zones matter — make sure your forwarder offers English/French support and real-time tracking so you always know where your cargo is.

Available Shipping Methods from China to France

The best shipping method from China to France depends on your cargo’s weight, volume, and urgency.
After handling thousands of France-bound shipments over the past decade, I’ve learned that most importers save the most money — and time — when they pick the right DDP route from the start. Below I’ll break down the most common methods DFH Logistics offers to French importers.

Shipping rates and times may vary by season, cargo type, and destination city. Always request a tailored quotation to confirm your total landed cost.

Some of our French clients also choose combined solutions, such as Sea + Express or Rail + Truck, to reduce total cost while keeping faster delivery than sea freight alone.
Whichever method you choose, DFH Logistics can customize your route for DDP delivery — including customs, VAT, and final-mile transport across France.

Top 10 Freight Forwarders from China to France (Comparison Table)

Below are the ten most reputable freight forwarders operating between China and France, combining DDP, air, sea, and multimodal solutions.

Note: Rankings are based on public performance data, verified customer feedback, and route specialization. Rates vary seasonally by volume and cargo type.

France Import Regulations and Customs Essentials

To avoid customs delays, ensure your shipments meet French and EU import requirements.

1. EORI & VAT Registration

All EU importers need an EORI number and French VAT ID for customs. Under DDP terms, your forwarder can act as the importer of record, handling both numbers on your behalf.
Official info: EU EORI Registration

2. Product Compliance & Labeling

France enforces CE marking, REACH, WEEE, and packaging-waste rules. Ensure suppliers provide:

• CE Declaration of Conformity
• French/English user manuals
• Proper labels and energy ratings

3. Duties & VAT

Average EU import duty: 0–12 %. French VAT: 20 % on CIF + duty value. DDP forwarders pre-pay these taxes for hassle-free clearance.

4. Main Entry Points

• Ports: Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk
• Airports: Paris CDG, Lyon, Marseille
• Rail Terminals: Lyon & Paris region

Typical transit times:

• Sea DDP: 25–40 days
• Air DDP: 6–12 days
• Rail: 20–28 days
• Truck: 18–25 days

Mini Case Study: Shenzhen to Paris — Home Appliances Shipment

A French retailer ordered 8.5 CBM (≈ 900 kg) of home appliances from three suppliers in Shenzhen.
DFH Logistics consolidated all cargo in our warehouse, repacked for space optimization, and shipped via DDP Sea Freight to Le Havre.

• Pickup: Shenzhen, Dongguan factories
• Departure Port: Yantian
• Arrival Port: Le Havre
• Final Delivery: Paris warehouse
• Transit Time: 31 days door-to-door
• Included: Customs clearance + 20 % VAT paid + final truck delivery

What France clients say for DFH Logisitcs Serivce

The client avoided VAT registration and cleared customs in less than 48 hours.

No matter you buy small or big, you can always get be best customized shipping solution from us.

FAQs about Shipping from China to France

1. What’s the cheapest way to ship from China to France?
DDP Sea Freight is the most economical for 1 CBM or above; it includes duties and VAT. Read more here Cheapest Shipping Routes from China

2. Do I need a French EORI number for DDP shipping?
No — your forwarder acts as the importer of record and uses their EORI for clearance.

3. How long does shipping take?
Sea DDP ≈ 25–40 days, Air ≈ 6–12 days, Rail ≈ 20–38 days, Truck ≈ 18–25 days.

4. Can I ship electronics or batteries by air to France?
Yes, but they must pass UN38.3 and MSDS certification and be handled by IATA-approved forwarders.

5. Can I ship directly to Amazon FBA France?
Yes — DFH offers DDP Air,rail,truck and Sea Door-to-Door to Amazon FR warehouses (Lyon, Paris, Dourges).

6. Do I need cargo insurance?
Strongly recommended. Coverage ≈ 0.3–0.5 % of cargo value and protects against loss or damage.

Why Choose DFH Logistics for Your China-to-France Shipments

Choosing DFH Logistics means choosing a reliable partner who understands both Chinese export procedures and French import compliance.
For more than 12 years, my team and I have helped thousands of importers, e-commerce sellers, and wholesalers ship safely from China to France — without customs delays or hidden costs.

1. Full DDP Door-to-Door Solutions

Unlike many forwarders that only handle port-to-port delivery, DFH manages the entire process from factory pickup to final delivery.
We take care of:

• Pickup from any Chinese city (even inland provinces)
• Export declaration and consolidation
• Customs clearance in France
• Duties and VAT prepayment under DDP terms
• Truck delivery to your warehouse, store, or Amazon FBA center

This means you don’t need an import license or EORI number — we handle everything legally and transparently.

2. Strong Network in Both China and France

DFH operates from Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Yiwu, with daily consolidations to French ports and airports like Le Havre, Marseille, and Paris CDG.
Our European partners and customs brokers in France ensure that shipments are cleared quickly and delivered smoothly to major cities including Lyon, Bordeaux, and Lille.

3. Certified Handling for Sensitive Cargo

We are fully licensed for battery, electronics, cosmetics, and restricted cargo.
Every shipment is packed, labeled, and documented according to CE, REACH, and WEEE regulations — ensuring full EU compliance and zero customs risk.

4. Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees

With DFH, what you see is what you pay.
Our DDP quotes include freight, customs, duties, VAT, and last-mile delivery, so you always know your true landed cost before shipping.
No surprise surcharges, no destination “handling fees”.

5. Safety, Insurance & Real-Time Tracking

Each shipment is monitored from pickup to delivery using our digital tracking system.
We also offer discounted cargo insurance for extra protection against loss, damage, or delay — giving you total peace of mind throughout the journey.

6. Extra Services Tailored for French Importers

To help our clients operate more efficiently, DFH provides a range of value-added services free or at low cost:

• 30 days of free warehousing in Shenzhen for cargo consolidation
• Quality and quantity inspection with photo or video proof before shipping
• Repacking and labeling to meet Amazon or retail packaging standards
• Custom documentation support (invoice, HS codes, CE declaration)
• Flexible payment terms for long-term partners

7. Personalized Support — Always Available

Every client gets a dedicated logistics manager who provides bilingual support (English/French) and updates at every step.
Our goal is simple: make your logistics worry-free so you can focus on your business growth.

Conclusion

Shipping from China to France requires a forwarder who understands EU regulations, VAT systems, and on-time delivery requirements.
Whether you’re moving large FCL shipments or small e-commerce orders, the right partner ensures smooth, tax-cleared, door-to-door service.

At DFH Logistics, we handle every step — pickup, customs, and delivery — so you can focus on growing your business.

→ Get Your Free China-to-France Shipping Quote Now