Posting Items Between France and the UK: Post-Brexit Customs and Duties

If you’re sending a parcel from France to the UK, it must now be accompanied by a customs declaration, but you can still use the La Poste online parcel service, which you can find here. There are few restricted items, and most food items can be sent in small quantities.

However, customs and duty fees may be applied depending upon the value of the parcel. Parcels marked as a ‘gift’ under the value of £39 (approximately €46) shouldn’t have any extra fees to pay, but any item above this will be subject to UK VAT at 20%. Items valued over £135 (approximately €159) may also be subject to customs duties depending on their origin and value. Find out more about taxes and duties here.

Costs are also notably higher post-Brexit, with parcel post to the UK starting from €15.90 and rising incrementally depending on the parcel size and weight.

If you’re sending a parcel from the UK to France, you will also need to fill out a customs form, which can be found here. The first thing to note is that there are restrictions on sending food items or plants to the UK – you can find a list of restricted items here, and, unfortunately, it does include popular items such as chocolates and suet puddings.

For gifts being sent to recipients in France, there should be no TVA (VAT) or customs duties to pay up to a value of €45. Items above this value will be subject to taxes and duties, which must be paid by the recipient prior to receiving the item. Find out more about French taxes and duties here.