Need Customs Clearance Support for France?
Arc de Triomphe, Monument in Paris, France
Here’s How Hexagon Freight Can Help
If you’re moving goods between the UK and France, customs clearance is no longer just a formality, it’s a critical step that can impact delivery timelines, costs, and compliance.
Whether you're a regular shipper or handling one-off consignments, Hexagon Freight offers reliable, streamlined customs clearance services to keep your operations running smoothly.
With direct access to a trusted French customs agent, we now provide full support for Regime 40 and Regime 42 consignments, ensuring hassle-free entry into France and faster delivery across the UK–France corridor.
What is Customs Clearance and Why Does It Matter?
Post-Brexit, customs processes for UK–EU trade have become more complex. Every shipment needs to be declared correctly, classified under the right tariff codes, and accompanied by accurate documentation. Failing to do so can result in:
01. Delays at the border
02. Goods being held or returned
03. Unexpected duties and fines
At Hexagon Freight, we simplify this for you. We manage all the paperwork and liaise directly with French customs authorities to make sure your shipment is cleared without a hitch.
Regime 40 & Regime 42 Explained
If you’re importing goods into France, chances are your shipment falls under one of these regimes:
Regime 42: VAT Deferred to Another EU Country
Used when goods enter through France but are destined for another EU member state.
Allows VAT to be accounted for in the destination country, avoiding double taxation.
Regime 40: Import with Immediate VAT Collection
Goods are imported into France and VAT is paid upfront.
Suitable for businesses with regular import activity into the French market.
Our customs agents are highly experienced with both regimes and ensure the correct procedures are followed to reduce your tax liability and avoid delays.
Hexagon Group trailer van
Seamless UK–France Groupage & Full Load Services
We offer:
Daily groupage departures between the UK and France
Full load services (FTL) for larger consignments
Expertise in round-trip trailer work for regular import/export operations
And because we’re fully integrated with Smart Border France, we’re able to offer a faster, more transparent border experience.
French Flag
What is the French Smart Border System?
The Smart Border Clearance system is an innovation by the French government that combines pre-declaration, automation, and real-time tracking to reduce border delays post-Brexit. Key benefits include automated data exchange with French customs, reduced physical checks for compliant traders, faster clearance for pre-registered consignments, and simplified processing at ferry ports and Eurotunnel terminals.
With Hexagon, your goods are pre-declared and tracked using unique identification numbers, making the entire process quicker and more predictable.
Need Help with DEB Declarations or Transit Documents?
Our customs experts can assist with DEB (Déclaration d’Échange de Biens) filings for intra-EU trade reporting, as well as T1 Transit Documents for moving goods through multiple customs territories without paying duties at each stage. We manage this as part of our complete import-export logistics service, so you don’t have to juggle multiple agents or risk errors.
Hexagon Group Team
Why Choose Hexagon Freight for Your Customs Clearance?
✓⃝ Direct contact with French customs agents
✓⃝ In-house UK clearance support
✓⃝ Smart Border compliant processes
✓⃝ Decades of logistics experience
✓⃝ Customised support for time-sensitive, groupage, and full load consignments
Whether you're shipping pallets or full loads, we provide tailored customs clearance solutions for stress-free logistics across Europe.
Speak to a Customs Clearance Specialist
Ready to streamline your UK–France shipments?
Whether you’re looking for support with Regime 40/42, Smart Border documentation, or just want to get your goods cleared without delays, Hexagon Freight is here to help. Contact us today for expert customs advice and a quote tailored to your business needs.