Prior to this agreement, the tariff regime applicable to French cosmetics had changed in three stages since 2024. The tariff was 0 % until 2024, then rose to 15 % during the summer of 2025. Since February 2026, it has stood at 10 %. Following approval, it is expected to rise back to 15 %.
Fees that have changed from 0 % to 15 %, then to 10 %
The Febea describes these customs duties as «major shock» for the French cosmetics industry. The organization outlines a bumpy trajectory: 0 % through 2024, 15 % in the summer of 2025, and 10 % since February 2026. A rebound to 15 % is anticipated following the agreement. «Febea understands the importance of prioritizing the business relationship between the’European Union »and the United States within a stable contractual framework", says Emmanuel Guichard, executive director of Febea.
Exports to the United States: 2.35 billion euros in 2025
The United States remains the top export market for French cosmetics, with exports totaling 2.35 billion euros in 2025. Year-over-year, sales to this market declined by 19 %. The trend continued in the first quarter of 2026, with a further decline of nearly 20 % compared to the first quarter of 2025. In total, the decline in exports is estimated at nearly 800 million euros: 541 million euros in 2025, plus an estimated 250 million euros in the first half of 2026.
Request to return to 0 % in the next phase
The federation is calling on French and European authorities to take action to secure a return to 0 % in duties on cosmetics exported to the United States. «This stability cannot result in a sustained increase in customs duties for a sector as vulnerable as the French cosmetics industry.», says Guichard. U.S. fees may vary depending on the situation, with the 15 % rate serving as a cap.
The early warning signals issued by Febea take both volume and price into account. «The United States remains our top export market, but exports are falling sharply.», Guichard explains. The federation is framing its request as part of the next phase of negotiations following the Turnberry Agreement, with the explicit goal of returning to a 0 % tariff rate for French cosmetics shipped to the United States.
