Shipping goods from Thailand to France is a popular and common route of commerce between SE Asia and Europe. Thailand and France have a relationship that dates back over 160 years. Additionally, Thailand is the second largest industrial ASEAN investor within France, primarily in the agricultural sectors. In Thailand, France is represented by over 280 businesses, resulting in a large volume of shipping and commerce between these two countries.
Ocean Freight to France
There are many major ports of call along the coastlines of France, running from The North Sea, English Channel, The Atlantic and Mediterranean. Depending on the routing, time of year, and port destination, times can vary widely. Since the pandemic, shipping times and schedules have varied widely and patterns of commerce and container availability have had a negative impact on ocean freight schedules. That said, a realistic expectation of an ocean shipment from Bangkok to the Le Havre port in France will take between 30 to 42 days.
Air Freight to France
As one of the most popular destinations in Europe and the world, France has over 400 international and domestic airports. It’s transportation infrastructure is one of the most highly developed in the world as well. Moving goods from an airport in France can be easily accomplished by rail or trucking.
The largest and busiest airport in France is the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. It is the second busiest airport in Europe (behind Heathrow in London) and one of the 10 busiest airports in the world. Other popular international airports are Orly, Nice, Lyon and Marseille. Transit times between Thailand and any of these French airports will typically run between 2 – 4 days.
Customs
Bringing goods into France will be relatively smooth and trouble free if all of the documentation and goods are identified correctly and there are no restricted items involved. In the area of custom’s clearance and import/export requirements it is important that the freight forwarder you are using has a complete knowledge and understanding of related issues unique to French customs requirements. Examples of goods that may be restricted include Hazardous materials such as asbestos, live plants or animals.
If you are planning to ship goods, either commercial or personal, to France from Thailand, the professionals at Eagles air & Sea will be able to advise you on the right mode of transport and handle all of the documents and certificates needed to make your shipment to France a smooth and trouble free event.
