The France market for Indian solid wood furniture
Wooden furniture (9403) is in EUDR scope: EUDR applies from 30 Dec 2026 for large/medium operators (micro/small non-timber operators 30 Jun 2027); the Commission's May 2026 review confirmed no further postponement. The EU importer files a due-diligence statement with plot geolocation, so expect requests for timber/hide traceability back to origin.
Indian community in France (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 109,000 (PIO 90,000 + NRI 19,000; excludes Réunion/overseas departments if counted separately).
Solid Wood Furniture specification for France orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Species | Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), mango, acacia, teak, reclaimed timber; iron frames (typical) |
| Moisture content | 8-12% kiln-dried (typical) |
| Construction | Mortise-and-tenon, dowels, KD fittings (typical) |
| Finishes | Natural oil, wax, NC/PU lacquer, water-based paints (typical) |
| Testing | Stability and strength per EN 12521/EN 1730 or ANSI/BIFMA on request (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the France requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in France
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Border control & pre-notification | Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE | CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP |
| Deforestation due diligence | DG ENV (EUDR 2023/1115 as amended 2025/2650) | Due diligence statement in EU Information System; geolocation |
| ISPM-15 | Member-state NPPOs | HT/MB-treated and marked pallets/crates |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping solid wood furniture to France
Typical sea transit from India: 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days.
Supply window: Indian solid wood furniture is mainly produced or harvested First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; rains Jul-Sep; autumnal Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION - standard flush calendar); First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; autumn Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION). Allow 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and France customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~25-30 cbm, 40' HC ~65-70 cbm (volume-limited).
Quoted on FOB, FCA, CIF, DAP; CIF France is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in France
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Le Havre (HAROPA Port) via Seine; inland (Gennevilliers / Bonneuil river ports) · Paris Ch | HORECA, Rungis-based food wholesalers, South Asian grocery & spice importers (La Chapelle / Passage Brady) |
| Marseille | Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos (France #1 port by tonnage; Fos-sur-Mer container ter | HORECA, Freight forwarders/shipping lines, Mediterranean & North African re-export traders |
| Lyon | Marseille-Fos via Rhône (Port Édouard Herriot inland port) / Le Havre; inland · Lyon-Saint | HORECA (gastronomy capital), Pharma/API distributors, chemical buyers |
| Toulouse | Marseille-Fos / Barcelona (inland) · Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) | HORECA, Aerospace & precision-engineering component buyers, IT/engineering services buyers |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import solid wood furniture into France?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); Deforestation due diligence — DG ENV (EUDR 2023/1115 as amended 2025/2650) (Due diligence statement in EU Information System; geolocation); ISPM-15 — Member-state NPPOs (HT/MB-treated and marked pallets/crates). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to France take?
Typically 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea (estimate).
Does France have a trade agreement with India?
EU competence — India–EU FTA concluded 27 Jan 2026, not yet in force [S7][S8]; India graduated from EU GSP for 2026–2028 (Reg. (EU) 2025/1909) so MFN duties apply until the FTA enters into force (expected 2027) [06 §C.4] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to solid wood furniture from India?
Usually HS 940360. France applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Why does solid wood crack?
Wood expands and shrinks with humidity. Kiln-drying to about 8-12% moisture and allowing for movement in the design reduce cracking.
Is sheesham CITES-listed?
Dalbergia sissoo was reported removed from CITES Appendix II in 2022. Other rosewoods (Dalbergia) remain listed, so confirm the species.
Can you make knock-down (KD) furniture?
Yes, for many designs, which lowers freight and damage.
Related guides
Request a quote: solid wood furniture to France
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in France. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.