Did I make a mistake importing my Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition from America to France?

My obsession with the Framework Laptop 13

I’ve been staring at my old, glued-together laptop for years, wishing I could just swap out the processor or fix a broken port without buying a whole new machine. When the 2026 Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition started trending among my developer friends in Paris, I knew I had to get my hands on one. The idea that I can repair every single part of my computer isn't just a trend for me; it’s a necessity for the way I work.

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Why I chose the US store over local options

While Framework does have a presence in Europe, I noticed that the US store often gets the newest mainboards and expansion cards first. In early 2026, the specific configuration I wanted for my DIY kit was only showing as "coming soon" for the French market, but it was ready to ship in the States. We often find that the US store offers a much wider variety of keyboard layouts and specialized modules that haven't hit the EU warehouses yet. You might also like to Read more: Why are French developers sourcing the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition) directly from America?

How I handled the shipping from America

Since the Framework US store doesn't ship directly to every residential address in France with the same speed as local delivery, I decided to use a freight forwarder. I signed up for comGateway to get a tax-free US address in Oregon. This allowed me to buy the laptop as if I were living in the US, avoiding US sales tax at the point of purchase. I simply followed their how it works guide to set up my suite. If you find that the US store won't accept your French credit card, I recommend using their BuyForMe service where they handle the assisted purchase for you.

Shipping Estimates for France

Before I committed, I had to make sure the international shipping rates weren't going to double the price of my laptop. I used the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the shipping fees. Here is what I found for the Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition package:

• Box Weight: Approximately 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) including the laptop, modules, and protective packaging.
• Box Dimensions: Roughly 42cm x 32cm x 12cm. It is a medium-sized, relatively flat box.
• Volumetric Warning: Because the laptop is dense and the box is compact, you likely won't be charged for volumetric weight unless you bundle it with something very light and huge, like a giant plush mascot.
• Battery Check: This item contains a lithium-ion battery (UN3481). Most international shipping carriers handle this fine, but be aware that it might limit you to certain express carriers like DHL or FedEx, and you cannot ship it via standard postal services.

I checked the international shipping rates before checkout to ensure I was getting the best deal for a 2026 delivery to Lyon.

Dealing with French customs and taxes

One thing I learned is that you can't escape the French VAT. When the package arrives in France, you will be contacted to pay the 20% VAT plus some administrative fees from the courier. Check our guide on the costs involved: Read more: Is the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition) actually worth the import cost to France?. While this adds to the price, the fact that I got the specific 2026 mainboard I wanted made the math work out for me.

My final verdict on the DIY Edition import

So, was it a mistake? Absolutely not. My shop US store experience was smooth, and having a tax-free US address saved me enough on the initial purchase to offset a good chunk of the shipping cost. The laptop arrived in perfect condition, and I had it up and running with my own Linux distro within an hour. If you are a tech enthusiast in France who wants the latest modular hardware without waiting for local stock, using a freight forwarder is a completely viable path in 2026.