Ship Crate From the USA to France
Introduction: Ship Crate from the USA to France
Shipping a Crate from the USA to France: Business Equipment and Heritage Items
A custom-built shipping crate is the right choice when the item being shipped needs maximum structural protection — when it is too heavy, too fragile, too valuable, or too irreplaceable to travel in a standard box or on an open pallet. For shipments from the USA to France, crates are used for two main purposes.
The first is commercial: US companies exporting machinery, industrial equipment, aerospace components, medical devices, precision instruments, or technology hardware to French businesses, research institutions, or manufacturing facilities. France’s aerospace sector (Airbus, Safran, Thales) and luxury manufacturing sector (LVMH, Hermès, Chanel) both create demand for precision US equipment imports, often requiring crate-level protection.
The second is heritage and personal: families with French connections shipping antiques, artworks, inherited furniture, and family heirlooms from the USA to France. This is a common occurrence given the historical ties between the USA and France. For this type of crate shipment, two layers of French law are relevant: the duty-free succession (succession) concession for inherited goods, and — since 28 June 2025 — the EU’s new cultural property import regulation, EU Regulation 2019/880, which affects antiques and historically significant objects entering France.
France’s DGDDI seized 25,070 cultural goods in 2025 — a 12% increase over 2024 — including archaeological objects, historic coins, artworks, and heritage items. French customs is active and alert in this category.
For smaller shipments not requiring crate protection, see our box page or luggage page. For pallet freight, see our pallet page.
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Who Ships Crates from the USA to France?
Who Ships Crates from the USA to France?
Aerospace and Defence Equipment Exporters
France’s aerospace and defence industry is among the world’s most significant. Airbus manufactures aircraft in Toulouse; Safran produces aircraft engines and systems; Thales produces defence and aerospace electronics; Dassault Aviation builds fighter jets. All maintain US supply chain relationships. US companies exporting precision components, testing equipment, manufacturing tools, avionics hardware, and specialist instruments to French aerospace facilities use crate shipping for the structural protection that sensitive aerospace equipment requires during transatlantic transit.
Luxury Manufacturing and Precision Instrument Suppliers
France’s luxury sector — LVMH, Kering, Hermès, Chanel — works with US suppliers of specialist equipment, tools, and materials. Precision watchmaking tools, specialist leatherworking equipment, and luxury retail display systems are exported from the USA to French manufacturers in crates. Perfume and cosmetics equipment, pharmaceutical production machinery, and food processing equipment are additional categories.
Medical Device Companies
France has a well-funded public healthcare system and a large private medical technology market. US medical device companies shipping surgical robots, imaging equipment, laboratory systems, and diagnostic instruments to French hospitals, research centres, and distributors use crate shipping for protection of high-value medical hardware.
Families with Franco-American Heritage Shipping Inherited Property
Americans with French family connections — or French-Americans who inherited property from relatives in the USA — ship antiques, artworks, family furniture, silverware, and heirlooms in crates to preserve them during transit. France’s succession (inheritance) customs concession may allow duty-free and TVA-free import of genuinely inherited goods.
Galleries, Auction Houses, and Collectors
The French art market — centred on Paris with FIAC (renamed Paris+ par Art Basel), Art Paris, and the Paris auction houses (Drouot, Christie’s Paris, Sotheby’s Paris) — is one of the world’s most active. US galleries, collectors, and auction houses ship artworks, sculptures, and collectibles to France in crates regularly. EU Regulation 2019/880, now in full force, means additional documentation is required for certain categories.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping crate from the USA to France
Our prices are highly competitive — that’s why so many customers choose Expediship for shipping crate from the USA to France. We offer affordable rates with reliable, professional service, guiding you step by step through the entire shipping process for crate shipment
Delivery to France typically takes around 5 business days, not including customs clearance time, which may vary depending on France government processing.
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Crate from the USA to France. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 150–200 lbs | From $3.55/lbs |
| 201–300 lbs | From $3.40/lbs |
| 301–400 lbs | From $3.20/lbs |
| 401–500 lbs | From $3.00/lbs |
| 501–600 lbs | From $2.80/lbs |
| 601–700 lbs | From $2.42/lbs |
| 701–800 lbs | From $1.40/lbs |
| 801+ lbs | From $1.20 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
French Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate
French Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate
France applies EU customs law to all business goods imported from the USA. Business equipment shipped in crates is subject to EU customs duty (at the applicable TARIC code rate — typically 0% to 6.5% for most manufactured goods) and French TVA of 20% on the CIF value.
Standard commercial import (permanent import)
Business equipment permanently imported into France is subject to EU customs duty and 20% TVA on the CIF value. French businesses (with a valid SIRET and French TVA registration number) can generally recover import TVA as input tax through their periodic TVA returns filed with the DGFIP (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques — French General Directorate of Public Finances). This means 20% TVA is typically a cash flow cost, not a permanent expense, for French-registered businesses.
EORI number and French SIRET
The French importing company must have both a valid EU EORI number and a SIRET (the French business identification number from INSEE). The EORI is used for EU customs declarations; the SIRET identifies the company in France’s administrative systems. For non-French companies importing temporarily for a French event or demonstration, a French tax representative (représentant fiscal) may be needed to manage the import declaration and TVA obligations.
Temporary import for business demonstrations
If business equipment is temporarily imported for a demonstration, testing, or tradeshow display and will return to the USA, the temporary admission procedure (admission temporaire) under EU customs law applies. An ATA Carnet issued by USCIB at uscib.org is the standard mechanism for high-value temporary equipment import into France. The DGDDI’s guidance on temporary import is at douane.gouv.fr.
Importing Inherited Property to France: The Succession Concession
Importing Inherited Property to France: The Succession Concession
France’s customs code provides a duty-free and TVA-free concession for property imported by succession (succession) — goods inherited from a deceased person and imported into France by the heir. This applies to both returning French residents and non-French nationals who have inherited French-connected or US-held property that is now being brought to France.
The conditions for the succession duty-free concession
The goods must be acquired by hereditary succession — they belonged to the deceased and have passed to the importer through inheritance, not through purchase or gift.
The importer must provide an official document from a competent authority in the country of the deceased’s last residence — in this case, the USA — confirming that the goods are acquired by hereditary succession. In practice, this means a certified letter or notarial document from a US probate attorney or notary, confirming the inheritance, apostilled for French use.
The importer must also submit the Cerfa 10070 form (the same form used for transfert de domicile — see our luggage page) with the reason for import marked as “Succession” rather than “Moving.” The Cerfa 10070 and the US inheritance documentation are submitted to the DGDDI customs office at the French port or airport of arrival.
What qualifies?
Household furniture, personal effects, and property that formed part of the deceased’s normal household and personal effects. Artworks, antiques, and family heirlooms — subject to the additional EU Regulation 2019/880 rules described below. The goods should not be commercial in nature and should not be intended for resale.
What does not qualify?
Alcohol and tobacco (always subject to French excise duties, accises, regardless of the succession context). Firearms (require separate authorisation from the French Ministry of the Interior). New goods purchased after the death of the relative.
EU Regulation 2019/880 and France's Cultural Property Import Rules
EU Regulation 2019/880 and France’s Cultural Property Import Rules
This is the most critical legal development for anyone shipping antiques, artworks, or historically significant items from the USA to France in 2025 or 2026: EU Regulation 2019/880 (on the introduction and import of cultural goods into the EU) entered into full application on 28 June 2025. France’s DGDDI has confirmed this on its cultural goods portal at douane.gouv.fr/demarche/vous-faites-entrer-des-biens-culturels-sur-le-territoire-national.
What EU Regulation 2019/880 means for crate shipments from the USA to France
The regulation establishes a general prohibition on importing cultural goods that were illegally removed from their country of origin. It then divides cultural goods into three tiers based on age, type, and vulnerability to trafficking, with different documentation requirements for each tier:
Tier A (Part A of the Annex): general prohibition. Archaeological objects, elements of dismembered monuments, and other goods that were illicitly exported from their country of origin are prohibited from entering the EU regardless of value or age. This prohibition has been in effect since 28 December 2020.
Tier B (Part B of the Annex): import licence required. From 28 June 2025, an import licence issued by French authorities is required for the most threatened categories — specifically, archaeological objects and elements of dismembered monuments over 250 years old, regardless of value. Without this licence, the import is illegal and the DGDDI will refuse entry. The import licence must be applied for in advance through the DGDDI.
Tier C (Part C of the Annex): importer declaration required. For other cultural goods — generally items over 200 years old with a value above €18,000 — an importer declaration (déclaration de l’importateur) is required, confirming that the goods were legally exported from their country of origin. The importer must have conducted appropriate due diligence on the provenance of the goods.
Who is affected?
If you are shipping to France from the USA antique furniture (over 200 years old), artworks, sculptures, archaeological artefacts, coins, manuscripts, religious objects, or other items of cultural or historical significance, EU Regulation 2019/880 very likely applies to your shipment. This affects galleries, collectors, private families shipping inherited property, and anyone importing heritage items.
France has been particularly active in enforcement: in 2025, the DGDDI seized 25,070 cultural goods — a 12% increase over 2024. French customs has access to international cultural property databases and conducts detailed provenance checks on heritage items.
For all crate shipments containing antiques, artworks, or heritage items from the USA to France, contact ExpediShip before shipping. Our team will advise on the specific DGDDI documentation required and coordinate with our French clearance partners to ensure compliance with EU Regulation 2019/880.
How to Prepare a Crate Shipment from the USA to France : Step-by-Step Guide
Crating is one of the most secure and reliable methods for both domestic and international shipping, especially when transporting fragile, high-value, or oversized items. Unlike standard boxes, wooden crates provide a rigid structure that protects cargo from impact, compression, and handling damage during transit. This is particularly important for international shipments, where goods may go through multiple transfers, long transit times, and customs inspections.
When preparing a crate shipment, selecting the correct crate is the first and most important step. A strong and properly sized crate protects your goods and ensures safe transport.
Use solid wood crates or plywood crates for heavy or fragile items
For international shipping, use ISPM-15 certified (heat-treated) wood
Choose the right size to minimize empty space inside
Recommended crate sizes (based on shipment type):
Small crate: up to 48 × 40 × 36 inches (121 × 102 × 91 cm)
Medium crate: up to 60 × 48 × 48 inches (152 × 122 × 122 cm)
Large crate: up to 72 × 48 × 60 inches (183 × 122 × 152 cm)
Custom crates: for oversized items (furniture, sculptures, machinery)
Keep at least 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) space on each side for padding
Ensure the crate has a pallet-style base (forklift accessible)
Avoid weak or damaged wood
Before placing items into the crate, proper internal protection is critical.
Wrap items with foam, bubble wrap, or blankets
Protect fragile areas like corners, edges, and surfaces
Use anti-scratch and moisture protection if needed
Disassemble items (like table legs, frames) when possible
For high-value items, consider custom foam inserts
Items must not move during transit — this is one of the most important steps.
Use blocking and bracing (wood supports) inside the crate
Fill empty spaces with foam, padding, or air cushions
Use straps or tie-downs for heavy items
Ensure zero movement when shaking the crate
For machinery, consider bolting to the base
The crate structure must be strong enough to handle long-distance transport.
Use screws or nails (not just staples) to secure panels
Reinforce edges with metal brackets if needed
Seal all sides tightly
For international shipping, ensure the crate is fully enclosed
Optional: use water-resistant lining or wrap
Clear labeling ensures smooth handling and customs clearance.
Attach shipping labels on at least 2 sides
Add handling labels:
“Fragile”
“This Side Up”
“Do Not Stack” (if needed)
For international shipments:
Attach commercial invoice + packing list
Include HS code and item description
Place documents in a waterproof pouch
Before shipment, do a final check to avoid delays or damage.
Verify weight and dimensions (important for billing)
Check crate stability (no loose panels or movement)
Ensure forklift access on all sides if required
Take photos for records and insurance
Confirm pickup details and carrier requirements
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to France
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to France — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Pallet from USA to France
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Crate from USA to France
A pallet is an open platform for stacking multiple boxes. A crate is a fully enclosed container providing protection on all six sides. For fragile, high-value, or heritage items, crates provide the structural enclosure that pallets cannot. If your items can be safely stacked in boxes on a pallet, a pallet is sufficient. If they need custom-fitted enclosed protection, a crate is the correct solution.
From 28 June 2025, certain categories of antiques and cultural goods require either an import licence or an importer declaration under EU Regulation 2019/880 to enter France. Objects over 250 years old classified as at-risk cultural goods require an import licence from DGDDI. Objects over 200 years old valued above €18,000 require an importer declaration. Contact ExpediShip before shipping any heritage or antique items to discuss documentation requirements. DGDDI guidance is at douane.gouv.fr .
Via air freight, crate shipments typically arrive at CDG in 4 to 5 business days. DGDDI clearance for well-documented commercial crate shipments is generally 1 to 3 business days. For crate shipments involving cultural property documentation review under EU Regulation 2019/880, allow additional time.