Rattan Chairs Import Tax France is one of the first concerns for furniture businesses, wholesalers, and interior design brands planning to enter the French market. Importing handcrafted rattan furniture can be profitable, but taxes, duties, and EU compliance regulations must be carefully understood before shipping.
This article provides a complete breakdown of the import tax process for rattan chairs in France, including tariff classification, VAT, customs clearance, sustainability requirements, and cost-saving strategies. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to prepare your paperwork, calculate landed costs, and avoid costly mistakes.
Contents
1. Understanding Rattan Chairs Import Tax in France
1.1 Customs Duties under HS Codes
Every imported product into France is classified under the Harmonized System (HS Code). Rattan chairs generally fall under HS Code 9401, which covers seats and chairs. France, as part of the European Union, applies a common external tariff for goods imported from non-EU countries.
Currently, import duties for rattan chairs average 3–5%, depending on product classification and trade agreements with the exporting country. For example, exporters from countries under the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may qualify for reduced or zero tariffs.
1.2 VAT (Value Added Tax) on Rattan Chairs
Beyond import duties, all goods entering France are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) plus applicable customs duties.
For example, if your rattan chair shipment is valued at €10,000 CIF, with a 4% duty (€400), the VAT base is €10,400. At 20%, you’ll pay €2,080 in VAT, making the total import tax €2,480.
This VAT must be paid at customs before goods are released, but importers registered for VAT in France can later reclaim it on their tax returns.
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2. Required Documentation for Importing Rattan Chairs
You cannot handle the Rattan Chairs Import Tax in France without precise documentation. Missing paperwork often causes shipment delays or customs holds.
2.1 Essential Documents Checklist
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Commercial Invoice – Detailed product description, HS code, unit price, and total shipment value.
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Packing List – Packaging details, number of cartons, and gross/net weight.
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Bill of Lading or Airway Bill – Proof of shipping arrangements.
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Certificate of Origin – To verify the country of manufacture (important for tariffs).
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Sustainability Certificates (FSC, REACH) – Increasingly requested by French importers.
2.2 Customs Clearance in France
All shipments must be declared to French customs authorities via the DELTA system. Importers often work with a customs broker to ensure correct tariff classification and electronic submission. Failure to match invoice values with declarations can trigger inspections or fines.
3. Compliance with EU and French Standards
3.1 Safety & Sustainability Regulations
Rattan furniture must meet EU regulations on chemical finishes, fumigation, and sustainability. French authorities may require proof that rattan materials are free from harmful chemicals and that packaging complies with ISPM-15 standards for wooden crates.
3.2 Eco-Certifications for Market Advantage
France’s interior design sector has a strong demand for eco-friendly furniture. Exporters with FSC-certified rattan or proven sustainable supply chains often gain preference from wholesalers and retailers. Mentioning sustainability compliance in your documentation can accelerate customs clearance.
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4. Cost-Saving Strategies for Importers
Rattan Chairs Import Tax France can be reduced legally through several strategies:
4.1 Optimize Tariff Classification
Classifying your product correctly under HS Code is essential. Some hybrid rattan products (such as chairs with steel frames) may fall under different tariff rates, potentially reducing import duty.
4.2 Leverage Trade Agreements
Exporters from countries like Vietnam or Indonesia should explore if their products qualify for EU preferential tariffs, lowering or eliminating customs duty altogether.
4.3 Use Bonded Warehousing
For importers distributing across the EU, bonded warehouses in France allow goods to be stored without paying import duty until they are sold within the EU. This can improve cash flow and reduce upfront costs.
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5. Partnering with the Right Supplier for Smooth Import
Successfully navigating Rattan Chairs Import Tax France is not only about paperwork and compliance—it also depends on choosing the right export partner. A reliable supplier can reduce risks by ensuring products are classified correctly, certified sustainably, and packed in compliance with EU standards.
Working with experienced exporters means you receive all the necessary documentation, including FSC certificates, certificates of origin, and CE compliance (if applicable), right from the start. This preparation not only accelerates customs clearance but also helps avoid unnecessary fines or shipment delays.
One trusted partner is Thanh Cong Handicraft, a Vietnamese manufacturer specializing in sustainable rattan furniture exports to the EU. With extensive experience in meeting EU import requirements, they provide wholesalers and distributors with both premium quality and peace of mind.
By choosing a supplier who understands EU regulations, importers can focus on market growth in France rather than worrying about tax complexities. In the competitive French furniture market, the right partnership makes the difference between smooth entry and costly obstacles.
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Reach out to us today to learn more about our products or to place a wholesale order. We look forward to connecting with you!
- Thanh Cong Handicraft Co., Ltd
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel/WhatsApp: +84967485411
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