A Practical Guide to Exporting Cosmetics from China to France: Full Process from Preparation to Customs Clearance

A Practical Guide to Exporting Cosmetics from China to France: Full Process from Preparation to Customs Clearance

I. Pre – shipping Preparations

1. Product Compliance Confirmation
   Cosmetics must adhere to EU regulations, specifically Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Ensure ingredients avoid the 1,300+ prohibited substances (e.g., heavy metals, certain hair dye raw materials) and complete CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) notification before market launch. Special – effect cosmetics (e.g., sunscreen, whitening) require additional certifications.
2. Document Preparation
   • Commercial Invoice: Detail brand, product name, specifications, quantity, unit price, and total value.
   • Packing List: Record product names, quantities, package specifications, gross/net weight.
   • Certificate of Origin: Eligible for preferential tariffs under China – EU trade agreements.
   • Safety Assessment Report: Issued by qualified institutions to prove no health risks.
   • Ingredient Declaration: List all ingredients in EU – compliant format.
3. Transportation Mode Selection
   • Air Freight: Fast (3 – 7 days), suitable for urgent/high – value orders, costing ~30 – 80 RMB/kg from Shanghai to Paris.
   • Sea Freight: Cost – effective for bulk shipments (25 – 40 days transit), with LCL fees ~$100 – 300/CBM.
   • International Couriers (DHL/FedEx): Timely (3 – 5 days) but expensive, ideal for samples or time – sensitive goods.

II. Transportation Process

1. Packaging
   • Liquid cosmetics: Use leak – proof bottles, bubble wrap, and shock – absorbing materials.
   • Powdery/cream products: Anti – moisture packaging with desiccants.
   • Label packages with “FRAGILE,” “LIQUID,” and clear sender/recipient info.
2. Domestic Consolidation
   Use domestic logistics to gather goods from multiple suppliers to a central warehouse, retaining transport records.
3. International Shipment Arrangements
   • Booking & Shipping: Arrange space with airlines/forwarders, providing commercial invoices and packing lists for export customs declaration.
   • Customs Clearance in China: Brokers submit documents; customs verify compliance before release.
4. French Customs Clearance
   • Document Submission: Provide CPNP notification, safety reports, and invoices.
   • Duties & Taxes: Tariffs (0 – 15%) and 20% VAT calculated based on goods value.
   • Inspection & Release: Customs may inspect products; release occurs after tax payment.
5. Final Delivery
   Couriers deliver door – to – door for air/courier shipments; sea freight requires local logistics arrangements.

III. Key Considerations

1. Ingredient & Label Compliance
   • Follow EU ingredient regulations and use French – language labels with clear warnings (e.g., flammable for alcohol – containing products).
2. Certification Timeliness
   Complete CPNP notification before shipment; allow extra time for special certifications (e.g., sunscreen SPF testing).
3. Logistics Communication
   Choose experienced forwarders and maintain real – time tracking to address delays promptly.
4. Packaging & Insurance
   Strengthen packaging for fragile items and insure high – value shipments against loss/damage.