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, 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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

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):
• 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

• 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