Customs on French goods
Goods from mainland France still need a declaration.
Reunion Island is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, and it follows EU product rules. Importing to Reunion Island takes planning, though. Every shipment you import into Reunion Island needs a customs declaration, even from mainland France, and local taxes are paid on arrival. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in Reunion Island and manage the filings for you.
Saint-DenisGulfAsiaEuropeTrade lanes from Reunion Island to Gulf, Asia and Europe
Every commercial shipment to Reunion Island needs a customs declaration, wherever it comes from.
Reunion is in the EU customs union but outside the EU VAT area.
So goods from mainland France travel as exports. On arrival, the importer declares the goods to French customs and pays octroi de mer, a local tax on imported goods, plus Reunion's own VAT.
Exporter Shipped Goods, With TradeWise as IOR
First, you invoice the goods and share the product details with us. Then, you mention TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the island. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Reunion Island.
Ask about Reunion setupReunion spotlight
Every Reunion Island shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
We confirm HS codes, values and Incoterms.
As your importer of record, with French customs.
Octroi de mer, regional octroi de mer and VAT.
Goods are released at Port Reunion or Roland Garros Airport.
What Reunion Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
French customs clears all imports into Reunion.
Goods from outside the EU pay EU customs duty by HS code, and many IT products carry 0% duty. Octroi de mer and the regional octroi de mer are added next. VAT of 8.5% is then charged on the total. Are you wondering how to import laptops and servers to Reunion Island? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
Africa region
Many African markets check documents carefully long before the cargo arrives. Port delays occur when compliance documents slip away. That is where TradeWise steps in. TradeWise guarantees that necessary certificates of conformity and export records are completed by our specialists before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend convolution, saving you time.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Goods from mainland France still need a declaration.
Rates change by product, so check HS codes before you quote.
Mainland suppliers must invoice without French VAT.
Sea freight takes weeks, so plan stock early.
Storms between November and April can close the port for days.
Are you shipping to multiple markets? Go through the guide for each country on your route.
70 country guides across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Browse all countriesOutbound
Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Reunion Island.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in Reunion Island help you import IT equipment to Reunion Island without holds or delay.
IORWe check the local tax rate for each product before you ship.
Octroi de MerOur team assigns the right HS code from the start, avoiding costly reassessments.
Customs ClassificationThese are the Reunion Island import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Reunion Island? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
Electronics sold here follow EU product law. Radio devices, such as laptops, phones and routers with Wi-Fi, must meet the Radio Equipment Directive and carry the CE mark. The importer keeps the EU declaration of conformity on file.
TradeWise checks your full compliance file for you to speed up Reunion Island import customs clearance.
This government department manages imports and exports. It collects duty, octroi de mer and VAT, and checks required licenses.
The council sets octroi de mer rates for each product group.
Goods from outside the EU pay the same duty as in mainland France.
Reunion sits east of Madagascar and close to Mauritius. Port Reunion handles almost all of its cargo.
Most goods arrive from mainland France and other EU countries, with growing volumes from China.
Customs on French goods, local taxes and long sea routes are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.
Public holidays and the weather can delay shipping deadlines. Plan around these dates each year.
November to April
Storms can close the port for days.
14 July
A national public holiday.
20 December
A public holiday unique to Reunion, just before Christmas.
Every Week
The weekend in Reunion. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
Guides from the TradeWise knowledge base.
Compliant, secure, and reliable global shipping and infrastructure lifecycle services.
Need expert services or any help? Our team offers lifecycle solutions across the global market.