China remains the global powerhouse for toy manufacturing, offering affordable pricing, wide product variety, and custom manufacturing services. France, as one of Europe’s largest toy markets, presents great opportunities for importers — whether you’re sourcing for retail, wholesale, or e-commerce.
However, importing toys to France from China involves strict compliance with EU safety regulations, logistics planning, and understanding customs procedures. This article provides everything you need to import toys to France smoothly and legally.
Why Import Toys from China to France?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Costs | Manufacturing and material costs in China are significantly lower than in Europe. |
| Wide Selection | Access to various toy categories: educational, electronic, wooden, plastic, plush, etc. |
| OEM/ODM Services | Many suppliers offer private labeling and product customization. |
| Established Trade Channels | Reliable sea, air, and rail routes from China to major French ports. |
Toy Safety & Compliance in France
Toys sold in France must comply with EU toy safety regulations under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
Requirements Include:
- CE Marking: Mandatory for all toys.
- EN71 Testing:
- Part 1 – Mechanical and physical properties
- Part 2 – Flammability
- Part 3 – Toxicity (e.g. lead, cadmium)
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC): Document showing compliance.
- REACH Compliance: Restriction of hazardous substances.
- Labeling in French: Instructions, warnings, and age grading must be in French.
Tip: Only work with Chinese suppliers who can provide valid EN71 test reports and support CE marking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Toys from China to France
1. Find Compliant Suppliers in China
Use platforms such as:
- Alibaba
- Made-in-China
- Global Sources
- Attend Canton Fair (in person or online)
Verify:
- EN71 & CE certifications
- Factory audit reports
- Product samples for quality check
2. Choose the Right Shipping Method
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL or LCL) | 25–35 days | Large bulk shipments | Low |
| Rail Freight (via China–Europe rail) | 18–25 days | Mid-volume, time-sensitive orders | Medium |
| Air Freight | 5–10 days | Small but urgent shipments | High |
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 3–7 days | Samples or small parcels | Very High |
Main French entry points:
- Port of Le Havre, Port of Marseille
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
3. Understand Import Taxes and Customs
Toys fall under HS Code 9503 in most cases.
| Tax Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | Usually 0% – 4.7% depending on the toy type |
| VAT (TVA) | 20% (applied on CIF value + duty) |
Required Documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- EN71 Test Reports
- EORI Number (Importer Registration in EU)
Tip: Use RITA (Tarif Intégré de la Douane) or consult a customs broker to confirm duty rates for your specific products.
Why Work with a Freight Forwarder?
A professional freight forwarder simplifies the import process by:
- Arranging cargo pickup in China
- Handling export and customs paperwork
- Booking the best transport option (sea, rail, or air)
- Consolidating shipments to lower cost
- Providing door-to-door delivery to France
- Advising on customs compliance and HS code classification
Partnering with an experienced forwarder minimizes risk and ensures smoother customs clearance — especially with regulated items like toys.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Non-compliant products | Request CE and EN71 certifications upfront |
| Incomplete labeling | Ensure instructions and warnings are in French |
| Underestimating delivery time | Allow buffer time for sea or rail shipments |
| Misclassifying products | Use the correct HS code to avoid penalties |
| Skipping VAT calculation | Add 20% VAT to your cost planning |
Conclusion
Importing toys from China to France is a smart business move — but only if done legally and efficiently. Prioritize compliance with EU safety standards, prepare correct French labeling, and work with a reliable freight forwarder for logistics and customs support.
By choosing certified suppliers, understanding VAT/duty, and selecting the best shipping method, you can avoid delays, fines, and lost sales.
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FAQ:
Q1: What is the import duty on toys from China to France?
Import duty ranges from 0% to 4.7%, depending on the toy type. Most basic plastic toys are duty-free under HS Code 9503. Always check the exact duty using France’s customs system (RITA).
Q2: Are CE and EN71 certifications required?
Yes. All toys sold in France must have CE marking and comply with EN71 testing. You must also provide a Declaration of Conformity to French customs or retailers.
Q3: Do instructions need to be in French?
Yes. Toy packaging must include safety information, usage instructions, and age labels in French — this is required by French consumer protection laws.
Q4: Can I import toys without a business license?
You don’t need a specific license, but you must register for an EORI number and comply with EU customs regulations. For long-term imports, registering as a business is recommended.