France holds a strong position in the European e-commerce industry, being one of the top three players. This article presents crucial information for those aiming to penetrate the French market with their online businesses.
Customers in France not only engage in domestic online purchases but also exhibit an increasing inclination towards shopping from international online vendors. Additionally, mobile commerce or online shopping through mobile devices is a growing trend in France. Thus, it’s imperative to adapt your online store to be mobile-friendly to serve this increasing demand.
Product Compliance:
For marketing products in France, adherence to EU regulations is a must. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to verify if there are any specific product compliance requirements exclusive to France, especially pertaining to dietary supplements, food items, and medicinal products. Some products might also have unique labeling mandates.
French Legal Framework:
When dealing with French customers, it’s critical to follow French legal protocols, which may not be identical to those in the EU.
Acquiring a Local Domain Name:
To solidify your online footprint in France, it’s advisable to secure a .fr domain name. Even European businesses without a physical location in France can secure a .fr domain through an approved registrar website that you can find online or ask your lawyer to provide you with.
Addressing French Customers:
Customizing your online store for the French market is key to success. French customers favor websites in their own language, so consider translating your site or getting it vetified by a native speaker. Highlight your French-speaking customer service as a unique selling point. Furthermore, obtaining a .fr extension for your online store can boost customer confidence.
Search Platforms and E-commerce Trust Badges:
Google is the go-to search platform for connecting with the French demographic. Discover the most appropriate keywords for your enterprise and products,and integrate them into your French language website content. Advertising on platforms like Google and Instagram Shopping can also be explored. Trust badges for e-commerce are crucial in France. Other recognized trust badges in France are Chamber Trust and Afnor Certification. Various other quality labels specific to different industries and products are also available.
Payment Solutions:
To cater to French customers, it’s essential to incorporate payment methods that are popular in France. These include PayPal, credit cards, and particularly Carte Bleue debit cards. Do not forget to integrate value-added tax (VAT) on distance sales in France. When marketing products to French consumers, French VAT applies to French consumers. Detailed VAT rates for France and other EU nations can be sourced from the European Commission’s Taxes in Europe database. You can file overseas VAT returns by obtaining a French VAT number and filing local VAT returns.
If your sales to French customers and other intra-EU consumer sales remain under the €10,000 limit, you can continue to charge your country VAT rate.
Integrating the French E-market is something that needs to be prepared upstream as it implies to comply with various specific French legal obligations. MFL registered lawyers remain by your side to assist you perform all needed formalities and will provide you with his best lawyer to deliver the best service.