Important Update: Navigating Upcoming Changes to French Customs for Your Imports

Please be advised of significant upcoming changes to French customs procedures that will directly affect the import of goods into France. Understanding and acting upon this information promptly is crucial to mitigate potential delays and disruptions to your supply chain.

Key Change: Mandatory SIREN-Linked EORI Numbers for Imports Effective May 31, 2025

As of May 31, 2025, French customs will implement a new regulation concerning EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) numbers. All import declarations will necessitate an EORI number that is directly linked to the French importing company’s official 9-digit SIREN (Système d’Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises) number.

Previously, EORI numbers may have been associated with the SIRET number. However, from May 31, 2025, only EORI numbers connected to the SIREN will be accepted for import clearance. Compliance with this requirement is mandatory, and failure to provide a SIREN-linked EORI may result in shipments being held at the French border, leading to potential delays and storage costs.

Anticipated Import Delays Due to New “Delta” I System Launching June 1, 2025

In addition to the EORI requirement, French customs will also be launching a new electronic declaration system, known as Delta I, on June 1, 2025. This system transition is anticipated to cause noticeable delays, specifically for goods being imported into France. While export and transit operations are not expected to be directly impacted by the Delta I system itself, some initial disruptions to the overall customs processing environment are possible.

To minimize potential delays related to the Delta system implementation, we recommend planning any UK-France shipments to arrive on or before May 30, 2025. The system switch is scheduled to occur between May 31st and June 1st. During this period, import declarations may not automatically transfer to the new Delta platform, potentially leading to delays for uncleared goods over the weekend. While we are committed to managing shipments effectively, the resolution of delays arising from the system transition may be outside our direct control.

Recommended Actions: Immediate Communication with Your French Clients

Given the proximity of these changes, we strongly advise you to take the following steps without delay:

• Inform all clients who import goods into France about the new SIREN-linked EORI requirement, effective May 31st, and the potential for import delays due to the launch of the Delta system I on June 1st.
• Emphasize the urgency for them to verify their current EORI registration and update it to the SIREN number prior to the deadline. Please direct them to the official French customs resources for guidance on this process.
• Advise your clients to strategically plan their shipments to arrive in France before the Delta system transition on June 1st, where feasible, to potentially mitigate initial delays associated with the new system.

These are significant and imminent changes. Proactive communication and timely action are crucial to minimizing disruptions to your import operations into France. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For additional details and relevant links, please refer to the official French Customs Portal.