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France
Customs
Information​​​​For International Removals From the UK

Eiffel Tower Paris

 

​Country Guide: France

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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

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Documents Required

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  • Copy of passport

  • Visa, if applicable 

  • Packing List 

  • Detailed Inventory valued in Euro and signed by the owner of the goods

  • Certificate of change of residence by the French Consulate

  • Certificate of Transfer

  • Non-resale attestation

  • Proof of residence in France

  • Bill of lading (express release) / air waybill (AWB)

  • Sales invoices for items purchased within 6 months prior to import

 

Specific Information

  • Owner of the goods’ presence for Customs clearance is not required.

  • A visa is only necessary if other documentation cannot be provided.

  • Packing list is not required for Customs clearance, but is required at time of delivery

    • Certificate of change of residence by the French consulate must show that the owner of the goods has established primary residence in origin country for at least 12 months.

      • If less than 12 months abroad, the shipment is subject to more duties and taxes.

  • Certificate of transfer must be on employer letterhead with date of employment in the origin country and date of transfer.

    • Certificate of transfer must also show proof of at least 12 months abroad and primary residence in origin country.

    • This document may not be accepted by all Customs office for free entry.

  • Non-resale attestation must be completed, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods and must mention a vehicle when applicable.

  • Proof of residence in France, such as last phone, electricity bill, or rental contract (less than 3 months old).

  • Sales invoices must clearly identify items, date, year, and place of purchase.

  • Used household goods in the owner of the goods’ possession or use for at least 6 months are duty free if the owner of the goods’ primary residence will be in France. 

  • If the payment of duties is required, authorization must be obtained from French Customs prior to arrival.

  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 to 4 days to clear the effects.

  • For free entry, transfer of primary residence and the owner of the goods must have spent at least 12 months abroad.

 

Motor Vehicles

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Documents Required 

  • Original certificate of title

  • Current vehicle registration

  • Import declaration

  • Copy of vehicle purchase invoice showing taxes paid 

 

Specific Information

  • Customs duties are dependent on the vehicle’s country of origin; however, all imported vehicles are subject to value added tax (VAT).

  • Duties and taxes are paid when the vehicle is cleared through Customs.

  • The owner of the goods qualifies for duty and tax free entry if the following conditions are met:

    • They have spent more than 12 months abroad

    • They are transferring primary residence to France

    • They have owned / used the car for at least 6 months prior to shipment 

 

Pets

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Documents Required

  • Vaccination record

  • Veterinary health certificate

 

Specific Information 

  • Pets must be identifiable through tattoo or electronic identification, such as microchip.

 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

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  • Alcoholic beverages must be registered and are permitted within the limits indicated by persons 17 years and older as accompanied baggage (include a separate and detailed inventory of each item and an import license / state liquor license may be required):

    • Wine (4 L)

    • Beer (16 L)

    • Alcohol not exceeding 22% alcohol by volume (2 L)

    • Alcohol exceeding 22% alcohol by volume (1 L)

  • Only "Fond de Cave" (15 bottles).

  • Tobacco products are subject to duty or tax payments and can be imported by persons 17 years and older as accompanied baggage.

  • Firearms and weapons (proof of ownership, registration / certificates / licenses are required and must be obtained prior to import).

    • Contact agent for specific information as some weapons are prohibited.

  • Medications for personal use only are permitted.

  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 to 4 days once required documentation is obtained.

 

Prohibited Items

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  • Weapons, ammunitions, and explosives 

  • Products made from animals (ivory, turtle shell, etc.) 

  • Endangered flora and fauna species and products made from them 

  • Items protected by the 1973 Washington Convention  (CITES)

  • Narcotics and drugs

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NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The customs information provided is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to each destination country and is being provided for general guidance. We are not liable for any costs, damage, delays, duties, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, errors or omissions. Customers should always check full requirements with the local embassy or consulate.

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