Working with China in Paris
How to set up supplies from China for those living in Paris: where to find factories, how to vet a supplier, and how to avoid losing money on advance payments.
Working with China from Paris: where to start
France is a major importer from China, with large ports in Le Havre and Marseille-Fos. For businesses from the CIS, the nuance is the same as in the UK: banking is strict about funds from Russia, and payments to China need to be planned well in advance. You will need a supplier, quality control, and logistics.
What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS
Paying a Chinese supplier from France as a CIS national is a bottleneck:
- opening a French bank account as a Russian national is difficult; for paying Chinese suppliers — USDT, a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, or international wire transfers;
- with an SAS that has a clear payment history, transactions are smoother, but the bank will still conduct due diligence;
- be mindful of sanctions restrictions on re-export;
- factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price.
Supplier search and vetting
- platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (China’s domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
- verify the factory’s business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit;
- payment on a 30% / 70% basis, never 100% upfront; Trade Assurance and pre-shipment inspection.
Logistics
- sea via Le Havre — France’s largest container port — and Marseille-Fos, ~30–40 days;
- air freight via Charles de Gaulle — for urgent shipments;
- rail China–Europe.
Customs and taxes
- EORI number and customs clearance required; on import — TVA 20% plus duty per commodity code;
- import TVA is creditable if you are a VAT payer.
Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner
- ordering without a sample and QC is the primary source of defects;
- a suspiciously cheap ’supplier’ often turns out to be a middleman;
- calculate the full landed cost including logistics and duties;
- it is safer to work through a partner in China who will source and vet the factory and arrange shipping on a turnkey basis.
Need suppliers and logistics from China to Paris? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.
We will find a supplier in China and audit the factory
Finding a manufacturer for your product, vetting the factory against documents, samples, purchase and door-to-door logistics. Initial sourcing is free — the buying guide is right in the bot.
Submit a requestNot a fan of bots — write to a person
The SVOY app — a marketplace for fellow expats
Services, goods, housing, and jobs worldwide. Post your own listing for free.
SVOY SERVICES
We’ll help with that in Paris
These tasks are handled by services within the SVOY ecosystem.
Working with China
Finding and vetting suppliers and factories in China, purchasing goods, quality control, and end-to-end logistics.
SVOY ECOSYSTEM
What else you may need
Tasks that most often come next. Each is handled by a dedicated SVOY service.
Rent or buy housing
Rental and purchase Paris: prices by neighbourhood, property due diligence, and end-to-end transaction support — SVOY HOME.
Go to websiteRegularize your status
Residence permits, visas and status renewals in Paris, certificates and apostille — SVOY Legal.
Go to websiteChildbirth and citizenship for the child
Childbirth in Paris: clinics, newborn documentation and citizenship — SVOY Baby.
Go to websiteHalal community
Nikah, halal services, and the Muslim community in Paris — SVOY Halal.
Go to websiteSupplier in China — we will find and vet one for you
Leave your contact — that’s all we need; we’ll ask the rest ourselves. If you’d like, so we can prepare for the conversation in advance, please specify your request below.
Need help relocating to Paris?
In the international SVOY community you will find:
- Russian-language chat Paris
- Housing and neighbourhoods
- Schools and kindergartens
- Doctors and clinics
- Lawyers and help with paperwork
- Verified contacts and recommendations
If you come with good intentions — you’re one of us.
Join the chat Paris