How to Import Candles from China to France: Duties and Documentation

France is one of Europe’s most attractive candle markets, with annual consumption of roughly 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes and a strong premium segment led by heritage brands. For B2B buyers sourcing from China, the import process is well-defined but documentation-intensive. This guide walks through duties, taxes, and the paperwork required to clear French customs smoothly.

Step 1: Confirm the HS Code

Most candles enter France under:

• HS 3406.00.00 - Candles, tapers, and the like. The standard EU third-country duty is 0 percent.
• HS 3307.49 - Odoriferous preparations for room deodorizing, sometimes used for highly fragranced formats; also typically 0 percent.

Scented candles are almost always classified under 3406.00.00 because the candle function predominates. Confirm classification with a French customs broker (transitaire) before the first shipment, because misclassification can trigger back-duties, penalties, and delays.

Step 2: Calculate Duties and Taxes

For a typical shipment:

• Customs duty: 0 percent under HS 3406.00.00.
• French import VAT: 20 percent on the CIF value plus duty.
• Customs clearance fees: EUR 90 to EUR 250 per declaration.
• Port handling: EUR 150 to EUR 400 per FCL container at Le Havre or Fos-sur-Mer.

For a USD 25,000 FOB shipment with USD 3,500 sea freight and USD 500 insurance, the CIF value is USD 29,000. French import VAT is approximately USD 5,800 (EUR 5,300), recoverable for VAT-registered businesses through the regular VAT return.

Step 3: Obtain an EORI Number

Every importer into the EU needs an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. French companies apply through the douane.gouv.fr portal, typically receiving the number within 24 to 72 hours. Non-EU companies must appoint an EU-based fiscal representative or use a customs broker who can act under their own EORI with appropriate authorization.

Step 4: Prepare Customs Documentation

A complete customs declaration package includes:

• Commercial invoice with full description, HS code, Incoterms, and currency.
• Packing list with carton counts, weights, and dimensions.
• Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air).
• Certificate of origin if claiming preferential duty, rarely applicable for China-origin candles.
• Insurance certificate if not included in the invoice.
• Customs declaration (DAU/EX1) filed via the French DELTA-G or DELTA-X system, usually by your broker.

Since 2024, France has been migrating to the new Customs Decisions Management System (CDMS) under the EU Customs Data Model, so confirm with your broker that declarations use the current format.

Step 5: Compliance Documentation

French customs and the DGCCRF can request:

• DIN EN 15493 test report confirming fire safety.
• CLP-compliant SDS for the fragrance oil.
• IFRA certificate per fragrance.
• REACH SVHC and Annex XVII compliance statement.
• GPSR (EU) 2023/988 technical file with EU Responsible Person details.
• Poison Centre notification confirmation and UFI code, where the formulation requires it.
• French-language labels with manufacturer or RP details, batch number, and safety warnings.

Shipments without these documents can be held for inspection, and DGCCRF market surveillance regularly checks retail shelves after import.

Step 6: Packaging and EPR Obligations

Before selling in France, register with:

• Citeo (or another approved eco-organization) for household packaging extended producer responsibility. Annual fees for small importers typically run EUR 100 to EUR 500.
• Apply the Triman logo and Info-Tri sorting instructions on packaging, mandatory since 2022.

Failure to register can result in fines of up to EUR 7,500 per breach, and major retailers such as Carrefour, Monoprix, and Galeries Lafayette request proof of registration during onboarding.

Step 7: Choose Your Port and Transport Mode

Most China-to-France candle shipments move by sea:

• Le Havre: The largest container port, ideal for northern and central France.
• Fos-sur-Mer (Marseille): Best for southern France and Mediterranean distribution.
• Dunkirk: An alternative for northern France with competitive rates.

Transit times from major Chinese ports:

• Shanghai to Le Havre: 32 to 38 days.
• Ningbo to Le Havre: 33 to 40 days.
• Shenzhen to Fos-sur-Mer: 30 to 36 days.

Freight rates in 2025:

• LCL: USD 70 to USD 130 per cubic metre.
• FCL 20-foot: USD 2,800 to USD 5,000.
• FCL 40-foot: USD 5,000 to USD 8,500.

Air freight is rarely economical for candles due to weight, but is sometimes used for urgent samples or small luxury launches at USD 6 to USD 10 per kg.

Step 8: Plan Lead Times

A realistic timeline:

• Sampling and approval: 3 to 6 weeks.
• Bulk production: 30 to 45 days.
• Sea freight: 30 to 40 days.
• Customs clearance and inland delivery: 3 to 7 days.

Total: 11 to 16 weeks from approved sample to French warehouse. Plan seasonal launches, especially for Christmas and Mother’s Day, with at least five months of lead time.

Step 9: Work with the Right Partners

A smooth import program depends on:

• A reliable factory with EU compliance capability, such as Aromiso.
• A French customs broker experienced with fragrance products.
• A freight forwarder with dangerous goods capability if you also ship diffusers or sprays.
• An EU Responsible Person for GPSR compliance.
• A regulatory consultant for CLP, REACH, and Poison Centre notifications.

Final Thoughts

Importing candles from China to France is straightforward when documentation is complete and classification is correct. The 0 percent duty under HS 3406.00.00 makes France cost-competitive, and the 20 percent VAT is recoverable for registered businesses. The real differentiator is compliance preparation: buyers who arrive at French customs with DIN EN 15493 reports, CLP labels, GPSR documentation, and Citeo registration clear faster, win retail listings, and avoid the recalls that affect under-prepared competitors. Aromiso prepares the full documentation package as standard with every France-bound candle order.