France's healthcare and medical equipment market is a regular destination for Portuguese medical device suppliers, from orthopaedic appliances to diagnostic instruments.
FedEx Custom Critical offers specialised medical device shipping including white-glove and temperature-controlled services for high-value equipment. Standard FedEx and DHL Express services handle most consumer-facing devices without special arrangement.
Protect fragile sensors and screens on diagnostic devices with foam pads and fragile tape — jostle-proof packaging matters since some medical devices lose calibration if dropped. Pack batteries safely: a device with its battery installed ships in the least-restricted category, but spare batteries need separate DGR packaging.
No customs formalities within the EU — only French VAT (20%) applies. For high-value equipment being sent temporarily (demonstration, trial, repair), an ATA Carnet avoids paying full import duty at destination, though within the EU this is less relevant given the simple customs process already.
Yes — surgical instruments ship as non-hazardous medical goods (HS 9018). Sterile instruments must maintain sealed packaging integrity throughout transit; non-sterile instruments ship like any precision mechanical goods with standard fragile-item packing.
DHL Express or FedEx Custom Critical for time-sensitive or high-value equipment, both of which offer expedited and monitored services. Standard EU road couriers (DPD) work for non-urgent, durable equipment but take longer.
No special treatment within the EU — orthopaedic appliances (HS 9021) move freely between Portugal and France with no customs declaration or duty. For commercial shipments, including a packing list with the device type and CE reference is good practice even though not legally required.
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