country guide
France Country Guide
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- 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 or electricity bill, 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.
For countries outside Europe items are subject to VAT of 20% plus duties (about 10%).
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.
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
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Pets must be identifiable through tattoo or electronic identification, such as microchip.
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
- 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