Exporting Food Products To France From the UK? Read This First

Expanding to new markets can be an exciting opportunity for businesses,  but it can also be filled with challenges. Entering a new market requires careful consideration in many areas, from understanding local consumer preferences to establishing reliable distribution networks.

Despite the geographical proximity, these considerations are just as important for UK businesses looking to export food products to France.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential aspects of exporting food products to France from the UK. We’ll explore some promising opportunities in the French market and explain the importance of understanding consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and shipping strategies.

Contact clearBorder for personalised advice on exporting to France from the UK.

Opportunities in the French Food Market

The French food market presents a wealth of opportunities for UK exporters.

With France’s strong economy and proximity to the UK, exporting food products to France is a logical and potentially lucrative strategy for British businesses looking to expand their international presence.

Known for their culinary sophistication, French consumers boast high spending power and a deep appreciation for quality, diverse food products. This creates an ideal environment for British businesses to introduce unique offerings. Specific food categories, such as artisanal cheeses, premium teas, and organic products, show particular growth potential.

The “British” brand is also often associated with quality and tradition by French consumers. By leveraging this perception, UK businesses can differentiate their products in a competitive market.

In France, there’s also a growing demand for healthy food options that are free from artificial additives, giving UK businesses that offer healthy food options a promising opportunity to enter the market.

What to Consider When Exporting to the French Market

Post-Brexit Regulatory Landscape

The UK’s departure from the EU has significantly altered the trade landscape between the UK and France.

Trade agreements such as the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement help the two countries maintain tariff-free trade. However, new customs procedures and regulatory checks apply to non-EU countries that want to export to France.

EU regulations govern food imports into France, establishing food safety standards, labelling requirements, and traceability rules. UK exporters must ensure their products meet these EU-wide regulations.

Additionally, new UK-specific regulations for food exports have emerged. These include obtaining export health certificates for products of animal origin and phytosanitary certificates for plant-based products.

clearBorder can keep you up-to-date on the latest regulations to successfully export goods to France.

Food Safety and Quality Standards

Adhering to EU food safety regulations is also crucial for UK companies exporting to France. This includes compliance with HACCP principles, adherence to maximum residue levels for pesticides, and meeting microbiological criteria for foodstuffs.

France also has specific regulations that go beyond European Union standards in some areas. For instance, France has stricter rules on additives and preservatives in certain foods.

Labelling requirements are extensive and should include ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, country of origin, and any specific storage instructions, all written in the French language. France’s consumer protection agency (DGCCRF) sets additional controls on certain food products, such as labelling requirements for nutritional claims.

Although often overlooked, packaging and transportation standards are also essential to food quality and safety. UK businesses must use food-grade materials for packaging, while ensuring proper temperature control during shipping and meeting any specific requirements for particular food types (eg vacuum packaging for meat products).

Catering to French Consumer Preferences

Meeting the proper requirements and regulations is not enough to succeed in the French market; understanding local consumer preferences is also essential.

French customers usually prioritise quality over quantity and value freshness, traceability, and local production. This means they’re willing to pay premium prices for high-quality, authentic products.

Adapting to local tastes is crucial. For example, French consumers generally prefer less sweet products compared to their British counterparts.

In France, there’s also a growing trend towards organic and sustainably produced foods. French consumers are increasingly health-conscious, driving demand for functional foods and those with clear nutritional benefits. Regional specialities are also highly appreciated, and there’s an openness to international cuisines, presenting opportunities for unique British products.

Competing with Local Businesses

Competing with local brands in France can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

French consumers have strong loyalty to domestic brands, especially in categories like cheese, wine, and baked goods. To compete effectively, UK brands should emphasise their unique selling points, such as traditional British recipes or innovative products not available locally.

While French consumers are willing to pay for quality, the price should be justified by perceived value. Therefore, pricing strategies should be competitive, but also consider the premium nature of imported goods.

Food quality and presentation are essential. French consumers have high expectations for food products – both in terms of taste and appearance. Packaging should be aesthetically pleasing and convey the product’s quality and origin.

To stand out, consider emphasising their product’s British heritage, as this can attract French consumers looking for authentic, international experiences. However, also be prepared to adapt your offering to local preferences where necessary, striking a balance between brand identity and local market demands.

Key Steps When Exporting to France

Establish Business Relationships

Success in the French market often hinges on establishing strong business relationships. UK companies should look for reliable partners and distributors who understand the local market dynamics.

Remember, in France, personal relationships often precede business dealings, so invest time in building trust and rapport with potential partners.

Networking is also crucial. Attend industry events and trade shows like SIAL Paris to connect with potential partners and gain market insights. Organisations like the British Chamber of Commerce in France or the Department for International Trade can also offer valuable support.

Secure Efficient Transportation

There are many aspects to consider when looking for efficient transportation methods. UK businesses exporting food products to France must:

• Choose between full-load and partial-load shipping, balancing cost-effectiveness with volume requirements.
• Select the appropriate transportation method (eg road or rail), taking into account product perishability, shipping distance, and budget.
• Choose proper packaging to maintain food quality and comply with regulations.
• Manage transit times and storage requirements when shipping perishable goods.

Cost-effective and fast shipping is crucial to succeed in the local market, where French companies already have well-established supply chains.

We help UK businesses optimise shipping routes, select appropriate carriers, and ensure compliance with customs regulations. With our freight forwarding expertise, we can manage your entire supply chain efficiently and help you determine the most efficient shipping strategies to get your product to the French market.

clearBorder’s consultancy services can help you determine the most efficient shipping methods and strategies.

Understand French Customs and Import Procedures

Navigating French customs and import procedures involves many steps. Here are some key considerations for UK companies exporting food products to France:

• UK businesses must obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which is essential for customs declarations and tracking shipments.
• As part of the customs clearance process, businesses must also submit a customs declaration, including detailed information about the goods, their origin, and their value.
• Import VAT is generally charged at 20% for most food products, though some items may qualify for reduced rates. Customs duties also depend on the product classification and origin.
• Certain food products, such as alcoholic beverages, may be subject to additional excise duties.
• Required documentation includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• For food products, additional documents like health certificates or phytosanitary certificates may be necessary.

Through personalised training and consultation, clearBorder can help UK exporters navigate these complex customs procedures and requirements.

How clearBorder Can Help You Overcome Export Challenges

At clearBorder, we offer comprehensive support for UK food businesses exporting to France. We provide tailored guidance on customs compliance, French and EU regulations, and cross-border logistics. Our trade experts are up to date on the latest regulations and can ensure businesses have all the required documentation to meet all current requirements.

As part of our export services, we also help with documentation preparation, customs declarations, and VAT registration. By working with clearBorder you can reduce the risk of costly delays, fines, or compliance issues. By leveraging our deep understanding of UK and French regulations, we can also help you anticipate issues and implement proactive solutions.

Contact clearBorder to ensure smooth entry to the French market.