Ports: Le Havre/ Marseille
Prohibited
- Narcotics
- Drugs
- Explosive
- Arms
- Pornography
- Live Plants
- Ivory
Container Restrictions: None
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco:
Required Documents: Separate, designated inventory of alcoholic beverages. May possibly need an import license or state liquor license.
Customs Regulations:
- Tobacco products are allowed, but subject to duty or tax.
- A reasonable quantity of wine and hard liquors may be brought in duty-free, if it can be considered ‘restants de cave’ (remainder of wine-cellar). The reasonable limit is considered 50 bottles, of which no more than 15 can be over 22% alcohol (about 44 U.S. proof). They must appear on the inventory with corresponding values.
Clearance: 4 to 5 days. Customer presence is not required for clearance.
Remarks: It is suggested that you contact a French agent prior to shipping.
Firearms and Weapons:
Required Documents: Proof of ownership in the forms of various registration certificates and licenses are to be obtained prior to arrival depending on the type of firearms/weapons
Customs Regulations: Very strict regulations of import—some weapons are prohibited
Clearance: 4 to 5 days once licenses are obtained (which takes 1 to 2 months). Customer presence may be required for clearance.
Remarks: Check with us prior to shipping any firearms. Do not ship within household goods container. We suggest bringing them along with you as checked baggage on your flight. Arms may be impounded pending issuance of a license.
Household Goods and Personal Effects:
Required Documents:
- 3 Inventories in French with values expressed in French francs dated and signed by the importer, listing all electrical items separately and legalized by a local authority work or residence permit
- Documentary evidence of residence, either present or planned, is required.
- A statement from the Town Hall, a certificate from an employer or a residence permit may be used.
- Declaration of ‘engagement de non cession’ (change of residency) for the customer’s origin may be supplied and signed in France.
Customs Regulations: Used household goods are duty-free if they have been in the shipper’s possession and been used for at least 6 months. They must be intended for the shipper’s continued use and the shipper’s residence in France must become his/her principal residence.
Clearance: 5 to 6 days for free entry. If duties are due, authorization must be obtained from French customs prior to arrival (takes one month to obtain). Customer presence is not required for clearance.
Remarks: If a customer is importing goods for a secondary residency, the customer should contact us prior to shipping as procedures differ and citizenship is important.
Vehicles:
Required Documents: All vehicles should be mentioned on the inventory of household goods with their registration numbers. You must also have a registration card, proof of ownership, and an insurance certificate from a French insurer.
Customs Regulations: Vehicle should have been owned for more than 6 months prior to your move overseas.
Clearance: 4 to 5 days. Customer presence is not required for clearance.
Remarks: Check in advance with your destination agent. Almost any vehicle may enter through French customs, but some makes are almost impossible to register with highway authorities.
Electricity
- Voltage 230 V
- Type E French 2-pin plugs
- Type C European plugs may be found on some appliances
For more info visit the France Customs Website.