DELTA IE Import: What the H1 Declaration Changes for Your Clearance Operations

Customeo

March 16, 2026

Since 22 October 2025, the Delta G system no longer accepts any import declarations. The import side of DELTA IE is now the only live e-service for filing customs declarations for imports into France. The SAD gives way to the H1 declaration, a structured format requiring greater precision and rigour in the data transmitted.

Why DELTA IE Replaces Delta G on the Import Side

The replacement of Delta G by DELTA IE is part of a European overhaul mandated by the Union Customs Code (UCC), which came into force in 2016, aiming to harmonise the customs IT systems of all Member States. Delta G, developed in the 1990s, was a purely national system. DELTA IE is based on the EUCDM (European Union Customs Data Model), the common data model for the entire EU. In France, the DGDDI leads the deployment.

The H1 Declaration Replaces the SAD on the Import Side

The SAD had existed since 1988, with its 54 boxes to fill in. The H1 declaration breaks with this logic: it is a structured dataset in XML format with thematic groups containing approximately 120 information codes. Transmission is exclusively electronic — no more paper SAD.

The H1 schema requires each party in the logistics chain to be identified with unprecedented precision: declarant and customs representative in two separate fields; mandatory identification of the exporter even in import declarations; each location identified by its UN/LOCODE code; seller, buyer and final recipient entered separately. The system's consistency checks are also stricter — an incomplete or inconsistent declaration will be automatically rejected.

Deployment Timeline and Situation in March 2026

On 22 October 2025, Delta G import declarations were definitively closed. DGDDI figures show that 84.85% of declarations obtain a definitive status within expected timelines. Assistance requests have declined from 563 per week at the start of the year to 230 at end of January 2026. The next corrective version was delivered on 24 February 2026.

What Changes Day-to-Day for Importers

With the H1 declaration, the number of mandatory data items has more than doubled. Importing companies must now transmit more structured and precise information to their declarants: full seller identity, detailed product codes, supporting documents, loading locations identified by LOCODE code. A missing or erroneous data item can trigger a declaration rejection, an in-depth check, or even a cargo hold.

DELTA IE also introduces a new intermediate status, "Control possible", showing whether a declaration is likely to be checked before the Release Order (BAE). Customs duty amounts are now visible item by item.

Five Actions to Successfully Complete the DELTA IE Import Migration

Verify the compliance of your EORI number. The migration from SIRET (14 digits) to SIREN format (9 digits) is planned for the second half of 2026. Obtaining an EORI SIREN is free via the SOPRANO service on douane.gouv.fr.
Audit the quality of data that your principals transmit to your declarants.
Train your teams on the H1 format and the new management rules.
Ensure your customs management tools, ERP and TMS are compatible with DELTA IE XML formats.
Monitor the anomaly log published by the DGDDI on douane.gouv.fr.

Frequently Asked Questions about DELTA IE Import

What is the H1 declaration in DELTA IE?

The H1 declaration is the standard import declaration format in DELTA IE. It replaces the SAD and its 54 boxes with a structured XML dataset containing approximately 120 information codes. It has been mandatory for all import declarations in France since Delta G closed on 22 October 2025.

When was Delta G closed for import declarations?

Import declarations in Delta G were closed on 22 October 2025. Since that date, all import declarations must be filed in DELTA IE Import. Access to Delta G is maintained in consultation mode only for old declarations.

Do you need to update your EORI number to use DELTA IE Import?

DELTA IE still accepts EORI numbers in SIRET format after 1 January 2026, except for DELTA H7 (e-commerce). The migration to EORI SIREN format is planned for the second half of 2026. Obtaining the new number is free via the SOPRANO service on douane.gouv.fr.

What are the main anomalies reported on DELTA IE Import?

The most notable anomalies concern liquidation problems (VAT sent in error to the accounting system), blocks on C512 authorisations and exchange rate application errors. The DGDDI publishes a continuously updated anomaly log on douane.gouv.fr.

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