Unexpected Customs Fees: Shipping from the UK to France

Unexpected Customs Fees: Shipping from the UK to France

Introduction

This is what I learned about ordering from London after moving to France.

Recently, I ordered three chef uniform sets and a pair of shoes from London to France for my husband. Shortly after, I received an email from UPS asking me to pay an additional 54.14€ in taxes and customs fees before the delivery could be completed.

At first, I was honestly surprised.

We used to live in London, and my husband had been ordering chef uniforms from this particular shop for years. The shop already had his custom measurements, and we truly loved their tailoring style, fabric quality, and unique uniform designs.

Even after moving to France, we still wanted to continue supporting the same shop because finding the perfect chef uniform in our city here is not easy — especially since my husband works long hours in a professional kitchen.

This time, however, we completely forgot to think about import taxes.

And that is how we learned an important lesson about ordering products into France from outside the European Union.

The UPS Email That Surprised Me

UPS informed me that:

“Des frais et des taxes d’un montant total de 54.14 EUR sont dus pour cette livraison.”

Which means:

“Taxes and fees totaling 54.14 EUR are due for this shipment.”

The package contained:

• Total value around 150€
• Shipped from London to France

Since the UK is no longer part of the EU after Brexit, the shipment was considered an international import.

That means French customs automatically applied:

• VAT (TVA)
• Possible import duties
• Customs clearance fees

Why France Charges Import Taxes

Inside the European Union, products can usually move freely between member countries without customs taxes.

But once goods arrive from outside the EU — including:

• United Kingdom
• Thailand
• China
• Japan
• Korea
• United States

—they officially become imported goods.

This is why courier companies such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx may contact you before delivery asking for additional payments.

What Was Included in the 54.14€?

Although the exact amount varies depending on the product and shipping method, the fee usually includes:

1. French VAT (TVA)

France normally applies:

• 20% VAT on imported goods

The VAT calculation may include:

• Product price
• Shipping cost
• Insurance value

For a 150€ order, VAT alone can already be around 30€.

2. Customs Duty

For clothing products such as chef uniforms, customs may also apply:

• Textile import duty
• Clothing import tax

This depends on:

• Fabric type
• Country of origin
• Product category

3. Courier Processing Fee

Companies like UPS often charge:

• Customs handling fees
• Brokerage fees
• Import processing fees

Usually between:

• 10€–25€

This is because the courier company advances the customs payment on your behalf before delivering the package.

Fun Fact: Chef Uniforms Are More Personal Than People Think 👨‍🍳

Professional chefs are extremely particular about their uniforms.

The right chef jacket is not only about appearance — it affects:

• Comfort during long shifts
• Breathability in hot kitchens
• Freedom of movement
• Durability after constant washing

That is why many chefs stay loyal to the same tailor or supplier for years.

For us, the London shop already knew my husband’s customized size and preferences, so ordering from them again felt natural even after moving abroad.

What People From Asia Should Know Before Sending Packages to France

If you live in Asia and want to send:

• Clothes
• Gifts
• Cosmetics
• Business products
• Food items
• Handmade goods

to France, you should always prepare for additional import costs.

Many first-time senders only calculate shipping fees and forget about taxes.

Estimated Costs When Shipping From Asia to France

Example 1: Small Personal Gift Package

Package Value:

50€–100€

Possible Costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
Shipping	25€–60€
French VAT	10€–20€
Customs Fee	10€–20€
Total Extra Charges	20€–40€

Example 2: Clothing or Fashion Products

Package Value:

150€–300€

Possible Costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
Shipping	40€–120€
VAT (20%)	30€–60€
Import Duty	5€–20€
Courier Fee	15€–30€
Total Extra Charges	50€–110€

Example 3: Business or Wholesale Orders

Package Value:

500€+

Possible Costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
Shipping	100€–400€
VAT	100€+
Customs Duty	Variable
Import Agent Fees	20€–100€
Total Extra Charges	150€–500€+

Useful Tips Before Sending Packages to France

This helps avoid surprises.

🔵 Keep the Invoice - French customs often request proof of purchase or package value.
🔵 Avoid Declaring False Values - Underdeclaring items may cause:

• Customs delays
• Fines
• Package inspection problems

🔵 Gifts Can Still Be Taxed - Even personal gifts may receive import taxes depending on:

• Value
• Quantity
• Packaging appearance

🔵 Clothing Often Receives Extra Attention - Textiles and fashion products are among the most commonly taxed imported categories.
🔵 Prepare Extra Budget - A good rule is: Prepare an additional 20%–35% of the product value for taxes and import fees.

Final Thoughts

At first, paying an extra 54.14€ felt frustrating because we genuinely forgot about customs taxes after moving from London to France.

But after understanding how the French import system works, it made much more sense.

And honestly?

Even with the extra charges, we are still happy to order from the same London shop because the quality, customized fit, and fabric are exactly what my husband loves wearing in the kitchen every day.

Sometimes comfort and craftsmanship are worth the extra cost.