Household Goods Logistics

France Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Passport
• Residence permit, work permit and original visa; the requirements for these may vary according to nationality
• Obtain a Certificate of Change of Residence from the French Consulate with your signature stating the dates stayed abroad
• Attestation de non-cession; needs to be signed original indicating you have lived abroad for at least 1 year and have owned all importing items for more than 6 months; also stating goods will not be sold for 12 months after importation.
• Proof of residence in France in the form of Certificate of Residents, lease contract or utility bills
• A letter of professional transfer from employer stating date of employment abroad
• Inventory and values, listed and valued in French (Francs), must be dated and signed by you and provide 3 copies.
• Inventory must list all electrical items separately indicating brand name and serial number; also requires a purchase invoice.
• Provide delivery address in France including access, floor, and entry code (if any)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• You may import household goods duty-free under the following circumstances:
  • If household goods owned abroad for a period of 6 months prior to shipment
  • If moving your principal residence to France
  • Household goods arrive in France within 1 year from arrival date stated on Change of Residence
• If you are establishing a secondary residence, regulations differ
• If you are to expect a second shipment, this must be stated at the time of first importation
• Inheritance regulations include the following:
  • Declaration from notary including inventory of goods, date of death, relationship and French resident
  • Goods required to be shipped within 1 year from date of death
• Wedding presents require:
  • A marriage certificate and French Resident Permit
  • Goods are to be shipped within 1 month of wedding
  • Students require an official attestation of attendance at university or school. Goods must be shipped within 1 month of date of registration at university or school.

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• Alcohol requires separate inventory including brand name, type, amount, number of bottles and value. Liquor license or Import license may be required.
• Tobacco products are subject to duty or tax
• Items considered new (less than 6 months old) are subject to tax if imported from EEC countries, or subject to tax and duties if imported from other countries; must be documented with sales invoices.
• Certificate of Authenticity required for works of art, oil paintings, sculptures, antiques and so on.
• Fax machines, telex machines, video tapes and books will be temporarily held by customs until the required authorization is obtained for each.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Polishes, paints and cleaning solvents
• Narcotics and drugs
• All animals skins and ivory
• Live plants
• Pornographic materials
• Matches and explosives
• Weapons, guns and ammunition are highly regulated; require various certificates and registrations as well as authorization from the French Defense Ministry. You must also provide the make, caliber, serial number and purpose.
• Some weapons strictly prohibited
• Weapons are not to be shipped with household goods

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Former citizens of France with the intent to stay in France for a long period of time may import one vehicle duty-free as a personal effect.
• Foreigners allowed to import a vehicle duty-free if owner has lived abroad for more than one year, vehicle has been owned for at least 6 months prior to shipment, and automobile is registered as a commercial car.
• Cannot dispose of vehicle within the 2 years following entry into France
• Must list vehicle on inventory; providing the year, model, make, chassis engine, horse power and registration numbers.
• Certain makes are not allowed entry
• Automobile must pass inspection for compliance of French standards and must be road-worthy
• The following documents are required for the import of a vehicle:
  • Receipts of payment and purchase-deed
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Original title showing vehicles serial number and owner’s name
  • Insurance certificate from French insurance agency
  • Original registration card
  • Plate numbers

PETS

• Age requirement of at least 3 months old
• Subject to quarantine
• Importation of exotic animals and endangered species prohibited
• Pets require a vaccination card and certificate of good health; should also be accompanied by owner.

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of France customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **