We have just received notification that France is now introducing an Small Parcel Tax for all packages with a value of 150 Euros or less (approx £131 at time of writing). I quote from an official communication from Royal Mail International:
“From 1st March 2026, the French Government is introducing a small parcel tax (Taxe sur les petits colis/ TPC) for packages with a value of €150 or below sent from outside the EU to France, Monaco, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Reunion. This small parcel tax is applicable for items destined for France, regardless of carrier.”
We have been advised to implement the same PDDP (Postal Delivery Duties Paid) process that we currently do for US orders i.e. the duty (or tax in this case) + processing / handling fees are calculated and paid at point of order, which has now set up on our system, as any orders placed from this point on will not be dispatched until March.
We have made the decision to implement the PDDP system for all French orders as this will ensure that orders are not held up at French Customs, or with La Poste, and it is likely to work out more cost effective. From Royal Mail International:
“For items under €150 sent to France using without any forward payment or PDDP payment, La Poste (French postal service) will still contact the recipient to arrange a payment of any applicable taxes and duties before any parcel is delivered. Please note that La Poste will also apply a service fee, which is payable directly to them by the recipient. Payment can be made online, although there is also the option to do so upon delivery, or at a local Post Office, but at a higher cost.”
Sorry.. but like our USA customers, we have no control over this new tax for our French customers.