Country Guide: France

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of Passport
• Visa, if applicable
• Detailed Inventory in French, valued in Euro and signed by the shipper
• Detailed Packing List in English and French
• Certificate of Change of Residence by the French Consulate (stipulating the date of arrival in the country and the date of change of residence during the last 12 months)
• Certificate of Transfer (on employer letterhead with date of employment in the origin country and date of transfer)
• Non-resale Attestation (priority must be obtained from the French Embassy abroad)
• Proof of residence in France, such as last phone or electricity bill, rental contract (less than 3 months old)
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Sales invoices for items purchased within 6 months prior to import (clearly identifying items, date, year and place of purchase)

 

Specific Information

• Used household goods in the owner`s possession or use for at least 6 months are duty free if shipper`s primary residence will be in France.
• If the payment of duties is required, authorization must be obtained from French Customs prior to arrival.
• Shipper presence for Customs clearance is not required.
• Items are subject to value added tax (VAT) of 19.6% if coming from European Community.
• For countries outside Europe items are subject to VAT of 19.6% plus duties (about 10%).
• Customs clearance takes approximately 3 to 4 days to clear the effects.

Motor Vehicles

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.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination Record
• Veterinary Health Certificate

 

Specific Information

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

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• 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):
  • Still wine (4 L), Beer (16 L)
  • Alcohol not exceeding 22% volume of alcohol (2 L)
  • Alcohol exceeding 22% volumes of alcohol (1 L)
  • A reasonable quantity of wines and hard liquors me be brought in duty free if it can be considered as “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

• 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

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://www.state.gov/p/eur/ci/fr

http://www.ambafrance-us.org