Le Havre — France's largest container port
Le Havre (UN/LOCODE FRLEH) is not only France's largest container port but also one of the key nodes in transatlantic supply chains. The port handles approximately 3 million TEU per year and is the first European port of call for many services from North America and the Caribbean. For companies importing goods from across the Atlantic it can be an attractive alternative to Hamburg and Antwerp.
In 2021 port management was consolidated under HAROPA Port — a group uniting the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris. This streamlined multimodal logistics and access to the Western European hinterland.
Customs clearance via Le Havre — French specifics
France has its own customs system Delta (DELTA-X) operated by the Direction Generale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI). The import procedure is fully electronic but requires the importer or their customs agent to register in the system.
For most importers the most convenient option is the T1 procedure — goods transit through France and Germany to Poland without paying duties or taxes in France. Alternatively, the importer can authorise a French customs agency to perform the import clearance in Le Havre (in which case VAT and duty are settled in France).
Important note: France is a popular import country for goods subject to REACH and RoHS regulations — ensure that compliance documentation is complete before clearance.
Terminals Le Havre — HAROPA and MSC
Terminal de France (TDF) managed by HAROPA Port is the main container terminal in Le Havre. It serves CMA CGM (HAROPA PORT is a French state-owned public entity; CMA CGM is one of the port's main clients), Maersk and other lines.
Terminal de Normandie (TDN) is the largest terminal on the western quay, operated by a consortium involving MSC/TIL. It is a key hub for MSC's Atlantic services.
Both terminals require truck bookings through their own systems — details and current gate hours are available on this page.
FAQ
Is it worth importing via Le Havre instead of Hamburg?
It depends on the goods and the shipping service. Le Havre is better for goods from North America and the Caribbean — many transatlantic services begin their European rotation here. Hamburg is better for goods from Asia. Clearance costs are comparable, but road transport from Le Havre to Warsaw (~1,400 km, approximately 17–19 hours by TIR) is roughly 7–8 hours longer than from Hamburg (~850 km, approximately 10–12 hours).
What documents do I need for an import via Le Havre?
Standard import documents: BL (bill of lading), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (EUR.1, Form A or statement on origin), and product-specific certificates (phytosanitary, CE, etc.). For T1 transit a transit guarantee is also required.
What is the customs office code for Le Havre?
The responsible office is Bureau de Douane du Havre Port, code FR002300. Always verify the code is current in the EU Customs Office List before official use.
Is Le Havre vulnerable to strikes like Antwerp?
Yes — France has a strong tradition of industrial action, and the port of Le Havre has been paralysed by union strikes on several occasions in the past. This is particularly the case in years when the government proposes labour-law reforms. The Celna24 alerts monitor aggregates communications from HAROPA Port and French port media.