Defibrillators Import Duty & Landed Cost: United States to France
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into France.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Defibrillators
Defibrillators from the United States are subject to a 10.5% customs duty rate and 20% VAT rate in France. Duties are calculated on the CIF value in EUR. The total landed cost includes CIF value, customs duty, and VAT.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | USD 5000.00 |
| Shipping | — | USD 800.00 |
| Insurance | — | USD 50.00 |
| CIF Value | — | USD 5850.00 |
| Customs Duty | 10.5% | USD 614.25 |
| Handling Fee | — | EUR 25.50 |
| VAT/GST | 20% | USD 1297.95 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | USD 7787.70 |
HS Code Classification for Defibrillators
Primary HS Code: 9018.19 — What It Covers
HS code 9018.19 classifies Defibrillators. This code is specific to electro-medical equipment. The code determines the applicable duty rate.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in France
Misclassification risks duty reassessment by Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects. Accurate HS code classification is essential. Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects enforces this.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Defibrillators from United States to France
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Use the France tariff lookup tool to verify HS code 9018.19. Binding tariff information may be available. Verify the product description matches the HS code.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the seller's name, buyer's name, HS code, and CIF value in EUR. Other specific fields are required.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is needed for customs clearance. France accepts the EUR1 format. The CO confirms the origin of the Defibrillators.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
The bill of lading or airway bill must include specific details. France requires these documents for customs clearance.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
Calculate the landed cost: CIF Value + Customs Duty (10.5% of CIF) + VAT/GST (20% of CIF + Duty) = Total Landed Cost in EUR.
Step 4: Submit to France Customs Authority
Submit the declaration to Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects using their system. Compliance with EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 is required.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Pay duties using accepted payment methods. Clearance typically takes a few days. Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects processes the clearance.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Defibrillators Imports into France
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
No bilateral Free Trade Agreement exists between the United States and France as of 2026. This affects Defibrillators imports.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
The EU Customs Warehousing Procedure allows duty deferral. This procedure can reduce upfront costs. Defibrillators can be stored in bonded warehouses.
Preferential Tariff Programs
No preferential tariff programs currently apply to Defibrillators from the United States. The 10.5% duty rate applies.
France Customs Compliance Rules for Defibrillators
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects Requirements for Defibrillators
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects requires specific filing and documentation. CE marking is mandatory for Defibrillators. Compliance is enforced.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold is 22 EUR. Shipments below this value are exempt from duties and VAT. This applies to low-value Defibrillators shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defibrillators Import Duty from United States to France
What is the duty rate for Defibrillators from the United States to France?
The duty rate is 10.5%. This rate applies to all Defibrillators imports from the United States.
What documents are required for importing Defibrillators into France?
A commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin, and packing list are required. Other documents may be needed.
Is there a Free Trade Agreement between the United States and France for Defibrillators?
No, there is no bilateral FTA between the United States and France as of 2026. The 10.5% duty rate applies.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with France customs regulations?
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects enforces penalties for non-compliance. Duty reassessment is one penalty mechanism.
What is the typical clearance timeline for Defibrillators imports into France?
Clearance typically takes a few days. The exact timeline depends on the customs declaration and compliance.
Are Defibrillators subject to any additional regulations in France?
Yes, Defibrillators must comply with EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. CE marking is required.