China vs France: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to China and France β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both China and France offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π China Asia | π France Europe (EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | N/A (world's largest solar manufacturing base) | 0% (EU MFN) |
| Anti-Dumping | N/A | None |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 13% VAT (rebate on export: 13% for most solar products) | 20% standard; 10% reduced on solar installations |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β Yes |
| Main Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao | Le Havre, Marseille, Fos-sur-Mer |
| Typical Lead Time | Domestic: 5-10 days; Export: 2-7 days to port | 30-35 days sea freight from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | FOB Shanghai/Ningbo, EXW factory, CIF anywhere | CIF Le Havre, CIF Marseille, DDP Paris |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, Voltec (local), Systovi (local) |
| Popular Wattage | 580-640W bifacial TOPCon (2026 standard), 700-730W (high-power utility) | 430-500W mono (residential), 580-620W (agri-PV & utility) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | FOB Shanghai TOPCon 580W: ~$0.082-0.092/W (Q1 2026). Spot market volatility high β lock with TT 30% deposit. | Landed CIF Le Havre TOPCon 580W: ~β¬0.09-0.10/W. Carbon footprint scoring impacts tender eligibility. |
Regulatory Notes
π China
Home to 80%+ of global module supply. Export VAT rebate of 13% factored into FOB. Shanghai/Ningbo are biggest ports. Customs clearance varies by province. New "dual-side tape" packaging standard reduces shipping damage.
π France
France uses carbon footprint scoring (empreinte carbone) for public tenders β low-carbon modules (fluorinated glass, EU cells) get preference. Agri-PV law unlocks rural deployment. CBAM applies.
JUST SOLAR β China Delivery
JUST SOLAR is based in Shanghai β visit our factories, audit samples, or consolidate LCL shipments to any port.
JUST SOLAR β France Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides modules with verified low-carbon footprint certification β eligible for French public tenders.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.