France
France is one of the UK's largest export markets and a major global economy. In easy reach of the UK, it offers many export opportunities for businesses offering innovative, quality products.
France is one of the most modern countries in the world and a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organisations.
Opportunities across sectors
With a population of over 65 million, a strong industrial base, and many large national businesses, France offers good export potential. Aerospace, automotive, energy, transport, agriculture and food are all large sectors. France hosts some of the biggest international trade fairs, offering access to French and international buyers.
Broad and sophisticated consumer base
The French consumer base is varied and sophisticated with high spending power. There is good potential for quality, carefully-packaged and competitively-priced products. Growing interest in responsible consumption as well as healthy and sustainable products also presents opportunities.
£44.5 billion
total UK exports to France for the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023
(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted Last updated: April 2024)
5th
largest UK export market
(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted Last updated: April 2024)
5.0%
of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023
(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted Last updated: April 2024)
France: at a glance
Economic growth
2.5%
Actual figure (IMF, 2022) The UK is 4.1% (IMF, 2022, actual figure)
GDP per capita
$42,350
Actual figure (IMF, 2022) The UK is $45,461 (IMF, 2022, projected figure)
Currency
Euro
Business language
French
You may need a translator
Time zone
GMT +1
Doing business in France
Preparing to export
The UK and France have signed a double taxation agreement, meaning the same income is not taxed twice. The French tax service for foreign companies is the Service des impôts des Entreprises Etrangères (SIEE, website in French).
If you’re registered for VAT in the UK, it may be possible to zero-rate the goods you export to France, provided certain conditions are met. VAT is known as Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée (TVA). French VAT rules are based on EU regulations and the standard French rate is 20%. Advice can be sought from France’s tax authority – the Direction régionale des finances publiques (website in French).
Packaging must conform to EU legislation on health risks to consumers and environmental protection. Labelling in French should be visible. Certain products such as foodstuffs and textiles have specific labelling requirements. The Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a good source of advice and information. It offers insight from members who themselves have set up a business in France or have specialist expertise in supporting that process.
Operating in France
Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.
Your contract should specify terms for payment. If there's any dispute you will need to go through the French legal system for resolution. French customers may require credit to buy your products. Payment conditions must be factored into prices. For business-to-business transactions these can range from immediate payments on receipt of goods (often with a negotiated small discount) to a negotiated 60-day payment.
Regular meetings and visits are important to build relationships. The market is competitive and a strong unique selling point is helpful. Speaking French can be an important step in building relationships.
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