IMPORTING FROM FRANCE TO UK

Cost-Effective UK-Bound Importation From France

When looking to import from France to the UK, businesses can rely on Barrington Freight for streamlined and cost-effective solutions. With our in-depth knowledge and established driver network, the process of importing from France is simplified, ensuring your goods arrive efficiently and in perfect condition.

Standard, Express Service and Next-Day to Import from France
Customs Clearance Support
Professional Experienced Team
Business-to-Business Deliveries
Large & Small Consignments Delivered

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Importing From France to the UK

Importing from France involves careful planning, especially when you have French suppliers who are vital to your firm’s supply chain. With our standard road haulage importation service, Barrington Freight offers full-load and groupage services tailored to your needs. We can arrange special express services by lorry or van for urgent consignments requiring prompt delivery, too.

Our road freight options are both reliable and cost-effective, making the typical route from France to the UK straightforward and hassle-free. For imports that are less time-sensitive, our groupage services provide an economical option without needing to sacrifice the quality of service your company obtains. Importers based in the UK can trust our expertise to handle your importing needs from France with utmost care and professionalism.

To get started simply give us a call 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.

WHY IMPORT FROM FRANCE TO THE UK?

With a very strong presence in a number of different industries and a very strong international brand, France is an excellent country to import from. Not to mention that the country benefits from regional specialties, allowing UK companies to collaborate directly with specific regions across many sectors.

Broad Range of Products: France is a very significant country in a range of industries including fashion, cosmetics and skincare. Different regions within France have different specialties which opens up a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses.
Strong Trade relations: France and the UK have a long history of trade relations which is strengthened by their geographical proximity. Existing trade agreements streamline import processes and the two countries frequently collaborate when it comes to economic policies and infrastructure.
Proximity and Logistics: France is close to the UK, which reduces transportation time and costs compared to more distant countries. The Channel Tunnel and frequent ferry services facilitate smooth and reliable logistics between the two countries.

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Road Freight Options When Importing From France

When considering road freight for importing from France, Barrington Freight offers a variety of options tailored to meet the needs of UK businesses:

Standard Road Haulage: Ideal for larger consignments, full-load freight provides an exclusive vehicle to transport your goods directly from France to the UK, ensuring a secure and swift delivery while our groupage service is suited to smaller or less urgent shipments.
Express Service: When time is of the essence, our express service ensures your goods are prioritised with expedited road transport options available to meet critical deadlines. Our smaller vehicles that range from Luton vans to 18-tonne vans offer better access and mobility across France.
Next-Day Delivery: This is a good option for customers who require rapid delivery and who are working to a strict time schedule. Speak to our operations team if you have an urgent consignment from France that you need to arrive in as little as 24 hours.

These services are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of UK importation firms dealing with suppliers in France, ensuring that whatever your shipment size or urgency, we have a solution to match.

Get a free Import Quote for France today

How Has Brexit Altered the Importation Process From France?

Post-Brexit, the process of importing goods from France to the UK has seen significant changes. Businesses must now navigate new customs regulations and tariffs. It is vital to stay informed about the latest governmental guidelines, which outline the necessary steps to ensure compliance with UK import regulations.

Understanding these changes can mitigate delays and additional costs. Barrington Freight provides expert guidance to help you adapt to these new requirements, making the transition as smooth as possible.

Customer Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 224 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam McGowan 
 17 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic Service. Lee organised a last minute pickup from Sweden back to England. The shipment was under Carnet. Very good professional service at a competitive rate! I will be using them again.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Ponsford 
 13 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from start to finish. Simon at Barrington Freight handled our crate of mechanical machine parts from the UK to Canada with exceptional care, keeping us informed throughout. His Canadian agent also arranged customs clearance, making the entire process straightforward and stress-free. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Proydohi 
 6 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to thank the entire Barrington Freight team for their professional work and assistance in organizing the shipment of my cargo to the UK. I will definitely use their services again. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mike Yeo 
 23 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Barrington Freight were brilliant, leading us through the minefield that is exports to the EU.

Nothing was too much trouble and we received immediate answers to all our many questions.

We will definitely use them again and recomend them to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Courtney Freeman 
 22 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic experience importing our goods from Florida and honestly couldn’t fault the service. The quote was quick and easy, booking was straightforward and everything was handled smoothly from start to finish.

As this was our first import we needed a bit of guidance along the way but Simon was brilliant. He took care of everything, kept us updated throughout and was always on hand to answer our questions. What seemed like a complicated process was made incredibly simple and stress free.

The customer service was excellent, communication was spot on and our shipment arrived without any issues. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable freight forwarder. Thanks again for making our first import such a positive experience!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Katie r Smith 
 18 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simon looked after our air freight import from China and provided an excellent service throughout. The shipment arrived safely and quicker than expected, with clear communication at every stage. We were very pleased with the experience and will definitely use Simon and his team at Barrington Freight again in the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Holloway 
 18 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We needed to get a shipment out to the USA quickly and Simon made the whole process far easier than we expected. Communication was straightforward, we were kept updated throughout, and everything arrived on time without any issues. It's refreshing to deal with someone who knows exactly what they're doing and gets things done. We'd happily use Simon again for future air freight shipments.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   James Roberts 
 15 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matt really looked after us and made our shipment completely stress free, I will be using the services of Barrington Freight for all my overseas shipments from now on. Thanks Matt, great service
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   General Enquiries 
 23 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had consistently excellent service from Barrington Freight. Our main contact, Joshua Armstrong, is always incredibly helpful and reliable. He goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Communication is clear and prompt and any issues are handled quickly and efficiently. It's reassuring to know that everything is in safe hands from start to finish.

I would highly recommend Barrington Freight to anyone looking for dependable and professional logistics partner.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   George Dunster 
 10 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a time-critical air freight shipment coming in from China to the UK and Simon was a huge help in getting it over the line.

Right before arrival, an issue came up due to a mistake from the airline, which could have turned into a real headache. Simon picked it up straight away, dealt with it quickly and managed to sort everything without any extra costs on our side.

Really solid support throughout and easy to deal with, especially given the urgency. Another great job by Barrington Freight - we’ll definitely be using them again!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Euphoric Bedding 
 1 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good service during a turbulent global shipping period. Special thanks goes to Lee for his efficiency and proactive updates and for rescheduling a delivery in less than 24hrs when the haulage company didn’t read their own paperwork and sent a lorry without the requested tail lift. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   The Greens 
 5 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication, competitive and efficient delivery
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Sharp 
 4 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve worked with Barringtons for the past two years, and the service has been excellent throughout. Every shipment has been handled with great care and real personal attention.

A special thanks to Simon, who has been outstanding—always professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Aylmore 
 4 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barringtons always have worked well for us . They are efficient with the import / export paperwork . Always answer very quickly with both quotations and any issues. prices always competitive , indeed recently saved our customer a considerable sum on an export job. Truly excellent service
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Newby 
 4 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As first time importers, we are very happy with the service Barrington provided. Sean guided us through the whole process and was very patient with our questions. We will be happy to use them again for future shipments

French Import Information

Customs from France to the UK, How to Import and Most Imported Products

Your Firm's VAT Responsibilities When Importing From France

When importing goods from France to the UK, it’s crucial to understand your VAT obligations to ensure compliance and efficient financial management. Since Brexit, the VAT process for goods imported from EU countries like France has changed significantly. Import VAT must be paid upon entry into the UK, but businesses can potentially reclaim this as input VAT, adhering to normal rules. Registering for VAT is essential if your turnover is near or above the threshold. To manage cash flows effectively, consider utilising VAT deferment accounts.

Import Duty When Trading With Suppliers in France

Understanding and managing import duties is a critical aspect of trading with France these days. With the UK no longer part of the EU customs union, imports from France are subject to the UK Global Tariff. This necessitates a precise classification of goods to determine applicable duty rates. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the goods, excise duties may also be applicable. Barrington Freight aids in navigating these complexities by offering expert customs clearance services in-house, ensuring that all duties are accurately assessed and paid, thereby avoiding potential legal or financial issues.

Your Step-By-Step Guide For Arranging Imports From France

Importing from France requires careful planning and understanding of the current regulations:

Check Eligibility: Ensure the goods you wish to import are allowed under current UK regulations.
Register for an EORI Number: Essential for trading with France.
Determine the Commodity Code: This will dictate the tariffs and any restrictions on your goods.
Submit the Necessary Declarations: This can be handled by Barrington Freight’s in-house customs clearance team.
Arrange for Transport: Choose from our full-load, groupage or express freight options based on your needs.
Prepare for Arrival: Ensure all paperwork is in order for a smooth transition through UK customs or refer this work to an agent with expertise in this technical field.

The Most Common Imports From France to the UK

France is a significant trading partner for the UK, with various goods crossing the Channel. Barrington Freight specialises in handling the transportation of these imports, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of UK markets. Here are some of the most commonly imported goods from France to the UK beyond wine and spirits:

Automotive Parts: With France’s strong automotive industry, there is a continuous flow of car parts and accessories that support both manufacturing and aftermarket services in the UK.
Fashion and Luxury Goods: France’s iconic fashion and luxury goods, including apparel, leather goods and accessories, are in high demand in the UK. These items often require secure, expedited shipping to meet the fast-paced demands of the retail sector.
Pharmaceuticals: France is a key player in the pharmaceutical industry, exporting various medical products and equipment to the UK. These shipments are highly regulated and require precise logistical handling to ensure compliance and safety.
Aircraft and aerospace products: France is home to Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, and the UK imports aircraft and aerospace products from France.

Barrington Freight is adept at managing these diverse imports, offering tailored logistics solutions that ensure safe, compliant and timely deliveries from France to the UK.

Why Trust Barrington Freight When Importing From France?

Barrington Freight is your premier partner for importing from France, with extensive expertise across various sectors including automotive parts, electronics and certain classes of luxury goods. Here are some key benefits of working with us:

Expertise in Diverse Commodities: From fashion to pharmaceuticals, our knowledge spans a broad range of industries.
In-House Customs Clearance: Simplify your import process with our expert customs services, ensuring compliance and timely delivery.
Flexible Road Freight Options: Whether you need a full-load, groupage or express delivery, we’ll tailor our services to your needs.
Membership in BIFA: We adhere to the highest standards of the British International Freight Association.
Proven Track Record: Our long history of satisfied customers attests to our reliability and efficiency in managing complex importation processes.

Choose Barrington Freight for seamless and compliant importing from France, capitalising on our extensive network and deep regulatory knowledge to ensure your goods are delivered on time and in perfect condition. Speak to our friendly operations team to find out how we can streamline your import operations between France and the UK.