Shipping to the United States - What You Need to Know (2026 Update)
Dear US friends and customers,
I’m excited to share the latest updates about shipping from France to the United States! After a period of transition, La Poste now offers reliable shipping via Colissimo in partnership with FedEx, and there are two clear delivery options depending on how you want customs handled.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including customs duties, what info I’ll need from you, and what to expect from delivery.
📦 1. Shipping Options
Option 1 - DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
- Customs duties and taxes are prepaid by our partner FedEx to U.S. Customs.
- Colissimo invoices us for these fees monthly, so you don’t pay anything at the time of delivery.
- This is convenient if you want a fully “all-in” delivery experience, but the cost of duties is always based on your item’s value.
- It is the responsibility to be paid with the shipping price, by the customer before the package is sent.
Option 2 - DAP (Delivered At Place)
- Duties and taxes are charged directly to the recipient by FedEx at delivery.
- This can be slightly faster since no upfront customs processing is required, but the recipient is responsible for paying customs fees when the package arrives.
✅ Important: Regardless of the option, customs duties and taxes are ultimately the responsibility of the customer.
⚠️ 2. Customs Duty Example
To give a concrete example:
Value of goods (excluding VAT) × customs duty rate
Example 1 - Wooden necklace - €29
- Duty rate: ~11%
- Tariff calculation: 29 × 11% = €3.19
Example 2 - Ceramic necklace - €65
- Duty rate: ~11%
- Tariff calculation: 65 × 11% = €7.15
These fees are additional to the purchase price and shipping cost, and may vary slightly depending on customs discretion. Shipping costs are also elevated due to all the recent changes.
💶 Estimated Shipping Prices (Colissimo to USA)
📦 Single ceramic necklace (~0.06 kg - price of 65 €)
-
Estimated Colissimo shipping: ~35 €
-
Estimated customs duties (e.g., ~11% on €65): ~€7.15
👉 Total (shipping + duties): ~€42.15
📦 Larger package up to 1 kg (e.g., multiple items)
-
Colissimo shipping: ~39 €
-
Estimated customs duties (based on item value, e.g., €75 × 11% = ~€8.25)
👉 Total (shipping + duties): ~€47.25
These examples show typical costs you might expect, actual prices depend on your order weight, declared value, and chosen delivery option.
📋 3. What I’ll Need From You
To ensure smooth shipping to the U.S., I will need:
- Full delivery address
- Recipient phone number (required by U.S. customs)
- Confirmation of your preferred shipping option (DDP or DAP)
📬 4. What to Expect From Delivery
Thanks to the Colissimo-FedEx partnership:
✅ Fast shipping - average delivery around 5 business days
✅ Full tracking available
✅ Signature required on delivery
✅ Secure handling through FedEx’s customs clearance system
This means your order is not only safe, but you can also follow it every step of the way.
⚖️ 6. Legal & Duty Disclaimer
Customs duties and taxes are determined solely by U.S. Customs. They may apply from the first dollar of declared value.
- All import duties are the responsibility of the buyer, even when DDP is chosen.
- Delays due to customs are outside the seller’s control.
- Refusal to pay applicable fees may result in the parcel being returned.
By placing an order, you acknowledge responsibility for any import charges.
❤️ Bottom Line
Shipping to the U.S. is now possible, fast, and trackable, and with DDP or DAP you can choose the method that works best for you. I’m here to help you through the process, just contact me before ordering so I can prepare your package with the correct customs info and ensure smooth delivery.
Much love,
Bori
Woods of Wonder
⚖️ Import Duties & Taxes - Legal Notice (U.S. Orders)
All international shipments to the United States may be subject to import duties, taxes, customs fees, or brokerage charges imposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and/or the carrier.
As of 2025–2026 regulatory changes, duties may apply from the first dollar of declared value, and assessment is determined solely by U.S. authorities.
Please note:
-
Any import duties, taxes, or customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer unless explicitly stated otherwise at checkout.
-
These charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost unless clearly indicated.
-
I do not control, predict, or guarantee the amount of any customs charges.
-
Delays caused by customs clearance are outside my control.
-
Refusal to pay required import fees may result in the parcel being returned or abandoned by the carrier.
By placing an order for delivery to the United States, the buyer agrees to these terms and acknowledges responsibility for any applicable import charges.
I always prepare shipments according to the latest available postal and customs guidelines to help minimize delays. Returned parcels due to unpaid customs fees may be subject to reshipping costs before a new delivery attempt can be made.
