What Does the Requirements for Full Container Load (FCL) in French Maritime Shipping

2025-04-01 11:06

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Waytron has a long-term and stable relationship with many carriers. With our strong strength, professional team, scientific system and sound network, Waytron can provide our customers with one-stop global logistics services, which are now can be involved in many countries such as USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and southeast Asia, and so on. Waytron can handle FCL, LCL, and special shipments, also providing reliable SOC service and competitive rates for TP trades, especially to USA and Canada inland locations, such as Dallas, El Paso, Portland, Houston, Calgary and Winnipeg.   

Waytron Overseas Department is in charge of working with the overseas agents, including D/O, Customs Clearance, Door Delivery and Transshipment to ensure the high-quality services.

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As a key EU member state, France manages full container load (FCL) transportation in strict accordance with EU regulations and international maritime standards, while incorporating local port operational norms. Below are the key requirements for FCL containers in France:

1. Container Size and Weight Restrictions

  • Size Requirements: Primarily accepts ISO-standard containers such as 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high-cube containers.

  • Weight Limits:

    • The gross weight of a single container generally must not exceed 30.48 metric tons (67,200 pounds), with additional EU road transport limits (e.g., 40 tons for articulated lorries).


2. Documentation and Customs Clearance Requirements

  • Mandatory Documents:

    • Bill of Lading

    • Commercial Invoice

    • Packing List

    • Certificate of Origin (for tariff preferences)


  • EU Compliance:

    • Goods must meet CE certification (for machinery, electronics, etc.).

    • EUR.1 forms are required for intra-EU trade.


3. Dangerous Goods and Special Cargo

  • Dangerous goods transportation must comply with the IMDG Code and be approved by French customs and port authorities.

  • Refrigerated containers must submit temperature records in advance and meet French port refrigeration standards (e.g., NF standards).

4. Labeling and Marking

  • Containers must be labeled with:

    • Container number

    • Dangerous goods labels (if applicable)

    • Port of destination and consignee information


  • Labels must be in French or English and meet EU requirements for clarity and durability.

5. Packaging and Compliance

  • Wooden packaging materials must be ISPM 15 heat-treated.

  • Cargo packaging must adhere to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) for recyclability.

  • Imported food and cosmetics must comply with EU food safety regulations (e.g., Regulation (EC) No 178/2002).


The following table summarizes the key requirements for FCL in France:

Requirement CategorySpecific ContentNotes
Size and WeightStandard 20-foot and 40-foot containers, gross weight ≤ 30.48 metric tonsRoad transport limit: 40 tons (articulated)
DocumentationBill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of OriginIntra-EU trade requires EUR.1 forms
Dangerous GoodsCompliance with IMDG Code, French customs approvalRefrigerated cargo needs temperature logs
Labeling and MarkingContainer number, dangerous goods labels, port of destination, French/English labelsLabels must be clear and durable
Packaging MaterialsWooden packaging must be ISPM 15 certifiedUnapproved wood may be rejected
Compliance and SafetyPackaging meets EU environmental directives; food requires EU food safety certificationEnsures product safety and sustainability


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