Importing a vehicle to France
a simple guide
Importing a Vehicle to France: A Simple Guide
Thinking about bringing a car into France from another country? Whether you’re moving to France and planning to bring your car with you or have found your dream car in Germany, importing a vehicle can be an exciting adventure. The good news? While the process requires some paperwork, it’s entirely manageable when you know what to expect.
Different Rules for Different Origins
Here’s the first thing to understand: the importation process varies depending on where your vehicle comes from. Importing from within the European Union is more straightforward than bringing a vehicle from outside Europe. Let’s break down both scenarios.
Step 1: Customs Clearance
For vehicles imported from outside the EU, you’ll need to clear customs. This is a mandatory step that must be completed without delay once your vehicle arrives in France. During this process, you’ll pay the required taxes and duties. Think of it as your vehicle’s official entry ticket into the country. Once completed, customs will issue you a certificate – keep this safe, as you’ll need it for the next step!
If you’re importing from within the EU, you’re in luck! The process is simpler. Instead of going through full customs clearance, you’ll request what’s called a “quitus fiscal” (tax clearance). It’s less paperwork and a smoother path forward.
Step 2: Vehicle Registration
Now comes the official registration. Everything happens online through the ANTS website (France’s national vehicle registration platform). You’ll need to submit several documents:
- Your customs clearance certificate (or quitus fiscal for EU imports)
- A valid technical inspection (contrôle technique)
- The vehicle’s Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Important note: Make sure to request the Certificate of Conformity in advance, as obtaining it can take time.
Special Case: Classic Cars
If you’re importing a collector’s vehicle and can’t obtain a CoC (which is often the case with older cars), don’t worry! You’ll need to go through the FFVE (Fédération Française des Véhicules d’Époque) to get a special attestation instead.
We're Here to Help
The importation process might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it’s perfectly manageable. We’ve created a comprehensive guide covering all the steps in detail – download it to have all the information at your fingertips.
And if you’d prefer to leave the paperwork to the experts? We can handle the entire process for you, making your vehicle import stress-free and straightforward.
Happy importing!
