When importing goods into or exporting them from the UK to France, it is vital that you understand the process of French customs clearance to avoid any delays. Be you an exporter, haulier, freight forwarder or logistics company based in the UK, there is always the need for your shipments to adhere to certain customs requirements prior to entry into France.
This guide provides details on customs clearance processes, systems, Calais customs and shipment preparation for customs clearance in France.
Who Is Authorised to File French Customs Declarations?
Not every customs intermediary can submit declarations directly into the French customs system.
French import declarations are submitted through Delta, the French customs declaration platform. Businesses providing customs clearance in France must meet the relevant authorisation requirements before they can submit declarations.
Many UK customs brokers work through third-party customs correspondents in France to complete these declarations.
RENSAT submits French import declarations directly into Delta from our offices based in Calais, giving their customers a single point of contact for both UK and French customs procedures.
Working with an experienced French customs agent ensures that all the required customs documentation is done properly before the consignment arrives at the border.
Choosing Between Regime 40 and Regime 42?
When goods are imported into France from the UK or another country outside the European Union, the correct customs procedure must be selected on the French import declaration.
Two of the most discussed procedures are:
- Regime 40
- Regime 42
Although both procedures allow non-EU goods to be released into free circulation within the European Union, the main difference relates to the goods’ destination, credentials of the importer and how import VAT is allocated.
Selecting the correct regime is essential. The wrong customs procedure can lead to incorrect VAT reporting, requests for additional evidence, delayed customs clearance or future tax enquiries.
At RENSAT, our in-house French customs team reviews the complete movement before preparing the declaration, including the importer, final delivery location, VAT registrations and supporting transport documents.
Crossing the UK–France Border
While there are various routes for freight vehicles to travel between the UK and France, the most common route is the Channel by ferry (Dover–Calais/Dunkirk) or through the Channel Tunnel (LeShuttle Freight) between Folkestone and Calais. Other routes also commonly used are:
- Newhaven – Dieppe
- Portsmouth – Caen
- Poole – Cherbourg
- Portsmouth – Cherbourg
- Portsmouth – Le Havre
- Plymouth – Roscoff
- Portsmouth – St Malo
Regardless of the route chosen, the customs documentation required before departure is largely the same.
Before a vehicle arrives at the UK port of exit (e.g. Dover, Folkestone or any other), the following customs declarations and supporting documentation should normally be completed:
- UK Export Declaration
- French Import Declaration
- ENS (ICS2) Entry Summary Declaration
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference)
- ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire), where required
- Transit documentation (T1/T2), where applicable
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- CMR (Consignment Note)
- Any licences, certificates or permits required for the goods
- Dangerous Goods Note (if goods fall under this category)
At RENSAT, all declarations are prepared and validated before the vehicle reaches the port or terminal. Our in-house UK and French customs teams review every shipment, ensure all border references are valid, and obtain any additional documentation that French Customs may require before departure. This proactive approach helps ensure the vehicle is fully prepared for its journey and allows customs processing to begin before it reaches France.
The border crossing from UK Ports to French Ports are similar across the ports.
Folkestone / Dover to Calais/ Dunkirk Crossing: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding what happens during French customs clearance helps businesses prepare shipments correctly before departure.
Every movement follows a sequence of customs and border processes.
Step 1 – Documentation
UK Export Declaration (CDS)
The customs process starts before the vehicle even exits the territory of Great Britain. The exporter must file an UK Export Declaration via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). The UK Export Declaration gives HMRC all information regarding the exporter, consignee, commodity codes, customs procedure, customs value, origin, and description of the goods. After being accepted, HMRC permits the exportation of the goods and the vehicle is allowed to depart to Dover or the Channel Tunnel.
- UK Export Declaration
- Goods Movement Reference (GMR)
French Customs Documentation
Before the vehicle arrives at the port or terminal, all French customs documentation should already be completed.
- French Import Declaration (Delta) or Transit documentation (T1/T2)
- ENS (ICS2) Entry Summary Declaration
- ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire)
At RENSAT, every declaration is reviewed and validated before departure. Because we communicate with French Customs in Calais every day, we understand exactly what additional documentation may be requested and obtain it before the vehicle travels wherever possible.
Step 2 – Arrival at Dover or Folkestone
After all the documentation for customs is completed, the driver travels to either the Port of Dover, when crossing via ferry, or the LeShuttle Freight Terminal in Folkestone, when crossing via the Channel Tunnel. The operator confirms the booking along with the customs documentation, which includes GMR, and issues a Boarding Pass, permitting the vehicle to board the ferry or train.
LeShuttle recommends to generate border pass electronically by entering all relevant references in the border pass. The link is normally sent to the haulier with the booking. Though not compulsory, this is considered a better option as this can be completed before the driver arrives at the terminal.
Border Process – Ferry (Dover to Calais or Dunkirk)
In case of ferry transport, the driver makes a check-in with the ferry company using the booking reference. The ferry company ensures that the booking and border clearance criteria have been met before issuing a Boarding Pass, which permits the vehicle to board the ferry.
Border Process – Channel Tunnel (LeShuttle Freight)
For all vehicles passing through the Channel Tunnel, the driver will check in at LeShuttle Freight in Folkestone based on the booking reference number. After verifying the booking and clearance, the driver will be issued with a Boarding Pass, which allows the vehicle access to the departure lanes and boarding of the train.
Step 3 – Crossing the English Channel
Once the vehicle reaches the Calais terminal, French Customs will clear the declarations made prior to departure. Vehicles meeting all customs requirements are generally able to continue their journey without delay, while those selected for standard customs or regulatory checks are directed to the relevant inspection area before exiting the terminal.
Once the driver is boarded on a ferry or Tunnel, before arriving in France, the driver receives either a Green Light or Orange Light notification.
Green Lane: The declarations have been accepted and the vehicle can leave the port without stopping at customs.
Orange Lane: The vehicle must report to French Customs for routine checks. This may include customs risk assessments, documentary checks, physical inspections, SPS/veterinary/phytosanitary controls, commodity-specific requirements or requests for additional information.
If a driver has an orange light, the customs broker must intervene to resolve the issue.
Step 4 – Delivery Within France or Europe
Once customs clearance has been completed, the vehicle continues to its delivery destination in France or onwards to another European country where applicable.
Common Issues That Delay French Customs Clearance
Even when transport is arranged correctly, customs issues can prevent goods from moving smoothly across the border.
Some of the most common causes of delays include:
| Common Issue | Result |
| Incorrect commodity codes | Customs declaration requires amendment |
| Missing commercial documents | Customs cannot process the declaration |
| Incomplete ENS information | Additional customs checks |
| Incorrect GMR references | Vehicle may not be processed correctly |
| ELO created with incorrect references | Border processing delays |
| Missing sanitary or phytosanitary documentation (such as CHED where applicable) | Goods may be held pending documentary checks |
| Differences between commercial documents and customs declarations | Customs queries before release |
Many of these issues can be avoided by preparing customs documentation before the vehicle leaves the UK.
Working with an experienced customs broker France businesses can rely on helps reduce the likelihood of documentation errors and last-minute.
Why Work with RENSAT?
RENSAT provides a single point of contact for UK businesses moving goods between the UK and France. We believe efficient French customs clearance starts well before your vehicle reaches the border. Wherever possible, we obtain this information before the vehicle departs, helping to minimise customs queries and support a smoother border crossing. Unlike many customs providers who rely on third parties, RENSAT submits French import declarations directly into the Delta system.
Our services include:
- French Customs Clearance
- Customs Compliance Guidance
By managing both UK and French customs procedures, we help businesses reduce delays and keep cross-border shipments moving efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is French customs clearance?
French customs clearance is the process of completing the required customs formalities before goods can enter France from the UK. It includes customs declarations, safety and security filings and border processing.
Who can complete customs clearance in France?
Only authorised customs representatives can submit French customs declarations through Delta. Many businesses appoint a specialist French customs agent like RENSAT to manage the process on their behalf.
What happens at Calais customs?
At Calais customs, customs authorities verify the shipment of references, process border formalities and assess customs declarations before releasing the goods to continue their journey.
Can a customs broker in France help with UK exports?
Absolutely. The customs broker France will be able to manage the French import procedure along with the UK export one, ensuring that all customs procedures have been managed before your goods arrive at the border.
RENSAT manages all customs procedures for you providing a single point of contact by managing UK exports as well as French imports.
Which ports does RENSAT cover?
Ports we cover in France are Calais, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Caen and Cherbourg.
Conclusion
To successfully transport your goods from the UK into France, it is important to be familiar with the French customs clearance process. From the export declaration in CDS to the French import declaration processed in Delta, each step taken in the process contributes to successful border crossing of the goods.
Preparation of customs paperwork prior to departure, correct linking of your declarations and cooperation with a reputable French customs agent could decrease risks of any delay in the process.
Whether you are a freight forwarder, haulier, exporter or importer, RENSAT helps you with customs clearance in France.