Since the 1st^er July 2026, Ship to France from Canada is no longer just a formality. The European customs reform has introduced a flat fee per item, required much more detailed information for each package, and prompted Canada Post to temporarily suspend the shipment of goods to France and eight other European Union countries.

For a Quebec-based small business that sells to French customers, for an expatriate sending a package to their family, or for an individual shipping personal belongings, the question is a practical one: which carrier should they use now, how much will it cost, and what documents will prevent the package from getting held up at Roissy?.

This guide provides an overview of the situation in 2026: the customs framework, the shipping options still available, estimated costs, and the mistakes that drive up the bill.

What Changed on the 1st^er July 2026

The European Union has ended preferential treatment for small shipments. Three changes directly affect Canadian shippers.

1. A flat fee per item. Low-value shipments that previously entered the country duty-free are now subject to a flat-rate duty of approximately €3 per item. That isn’t a huge amount in itself, but it’s a fixed fee: on a €25 package, the proportional charge is far from negligible.

2. VAT is due starting with the first euro. The standard French VAT rate of 20 % applies to the value of the goods, plus shipping and insurance costs. There is no exemption threshold for commercial shipments. France also charges its own processing fees on certain postal shipments.

3. Much more detailed data. Each item in the package must now be described individually: exact description, quantity, unit value, country of origin, and HS code. A generic description such as «clothing» or «gift» is no longer acceptable. It is precisely this data requirement that Canada Post was unable to meet in time.

Canada Post: Suspension of Service to France

In late June 2026, Canada Post announced that it was suspending the acceptance of package shipments to several EU countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, and Luxembourg. The Crown corporation explained that its systems were unable to transmit the required data on an item-by-item basis.

Two important points for shippers:

• The suspension targets the goods. Documents and correspondence are generally not subject to the same requirements.
• Canada Post describes the measure as temporary, but no firm resumption date has been confirmed. Check the service alerts before scheduling a shipment.

Specifically, the cheapest option on the Canadian market—the economy mail package—is no longer available for shipments to France. You must use a private carrier.

Transportation Options in 2026

Private courier companies have adapted their systems to meet the new European requirements and continue to serve France without interruption. Here’s how they compare.

These amounts are approximate and vary depending on the region, dimensions, volumetric weight, applicable surcharges, and your service agreement. Always request a firm quote before shipping.

What French Customs Will Actually Cost You

Shipping costs are only half the equation. Here’s a sample calculation for a commercial shipment with a market value of €120 and shipping costs of €40.

In other words, for a package containing €120 worth of goods, a French recipient may receive a bill for more than €50 if they were not notified. This is the leading cause of package refusals—and if a package is refused, you’re responsible for the return shipping costs.

DDP or DDU: Who Pays, and When

The choice of Incoterm completely changes the recipient's experience.

DDU (or DAP) : You pay for shipping, and the recipient pays the VAT, the flat-rate fee, and customs clearance charges upon delivery. This is cheaper for you at the time of shipment, but it’s the scenario that leads to refusals and negative reviews.

DDP : You pay for everything upfront, including taxes. The package arrives with no surprises. Carriers charge a surcharge for this service, but for an SME that sells online to French customers, it’s almost always worth it: the return rate drops, and customer service no longer has to spend its days explaining customs invoices.

If you regularly sell to European consumers, be sure to learn more about the regulations IOSS, which allows for the collection of VAT at the time of sale and speeds up customs clearance for low-value shipments.

How to Pack a Package That Gets Delivered on the First Try

Most customs delays are caused by paperwork, not by the contents. Here is the checklist.

• Commercial invoice in triplicate, with one line per item: detailed description, quantity, unit price, currency, country of origin, and a six-digit HS code (minimum).
• Concrete descriptions. «Men's cotton T-shirt, size M» rather than «clothing.» «2-meter USB-C cable» rather than «electronic accessory.».
• Reported actual value. Underreporting to reduce the amount of VAT owed is a violation: it can result in a fine, possible seizure of assets, and loss of insurance coverage.
• EORI Number the recipient's, if it is a French company.
• Full contact information the recipient's contact information, including a cell phone number and an email address—carriers use this information to collect payment before delivery.
• Be aware of what's prohibited : food products of animal origin, lithium batteries shipped separately, aerosol cans, large quantities of perfume, counterfeit goods.

Five Ways to Lower Your Bill

1. Combine your shipments. The flat rate applies per item: a properly declared consolidated shipment is often less expensive than three separate small packages.
2. Keep an eye on the volumetric weight. If a box is too large, it is charged based on volume, not actual weight. Reducing the dimensions by a few centimeters can move the package into a lower price tier.
3. Work with a reseller or consolidator. Volume-based negotiated rates are significantly lower than the rates posted at the counter, often by 30 to 50 %.
4. Choose the economy option when the deadline allows. Express service often costs twice as much as standard service to save two days.
5. Verify the origin of the goods. The CETA agreement between Canada and the EU may reduce or eliminate tariffs on products of Canadian origin—provided that a valid declaration of origin is included on the invoice.

What about personal shipments?

Gifts between individuals are still treated more flexibly in France, subject to strict conditions: limited value, occasional shipments, no commercial consideration, and an explicit notation of «gift» on the declaration along with a detailed description of the contents. Above the threshold, VAT applies as usual.

For personal belongings when moving to France, a duty-free allowance is available, but it requires proof of residence and a detailed inventory. Allow time for the administrative process.

In a nutshell

Shipping to France from Canada is still entirely feasible in 2026, but the economical postal option is no longer available at this time. Success depends on three things: choosing a private carrier that meets your actual delivery time requirements, accurately declaring each item, and making a conscious decision about who will pay the taxes upon arrival.

At Shipping Store, we compare rates from several international carriers for each shipment and prepare your customs documents for France. Get a quote and see how much your next shipment to France should actually cost you.

The rates, taxes, and thresholds listed are for informational purposes only as of the date of publication and may vary depending on the service, region, applicable surcharges, and your commercial agreement. Check with your carrier and customs authorities before shipping.