Moving to France Duty-Free. Customs & Import Guide
Wondering how to avoid import taxes and the customs documents for relocating to France? Whether you’re an expat, an executive on assignment, or managing an international transfer, this guide explains everything you need to know about duty-free import rules, customs formalities, and required documents for a tax-free household goods shipment to France.
To import your goods duty-free, you must meet three main criteria:
- You are moving to France to establish primary residence.
- You have lived outside France for at least 12 months before your goods arrive.
- You must have owned the goods for at least 6 months (12 months for a vehicle), and they must be for personal use (not for resale).
Completing the Inventory for French Customs
During your move, you will need to provide several inventories. However, don’t confuse the valued inventory for customs with the inventory required for insurance purposes. The key difference is that the insurance inventory should list the full replacement values of your goods. It must be very detailed because the insurance company will refer to it if you need to make a claim.
In contrast, the valued inventory for customs offers an overview of what you are shipping, along with their resale value — i.e., the value of the goods in their used condition.
Keep in mind that the valued inventory for customs purposes must be in French and the values in Euros. We strongly recommend submitting your inventory in the format we provide. If you choose to add items to the standard format, they must be in French. Don’t forget to sign and date the form.
Non-Cession Document
This form is a sworn statement confirming that the goods belong to you and are not intended for resale. To complete the form, fill in the following details at the top:
- Je soussigné (I, the undersigned): Your full name
- Profession: Your profession
- Domicile: Your full French address
At the bottom, fill in:
- Fait à (Completed in): The town where you are completing the form
Finally, don’t forget to date and sign the form!
Proof of residence
To complete the French import customs formalities, you will need to prove that you have a residence in France. The easiest way to do this is by providing one of the following documents in your name with your French address:
- A utility bill (electricity or gas)
- A copy of your lease or purchase agreement for your home
- Any other official document showing your name and French address
If you are unable to provide any of the above, NM Europe will advise you to find possible alternative solutions that will satisfy French customs.
Change of residence certificate
If you are not moving for professional reasons, you will need to obtain a change of residence certificate. This can be obtained from the French consulate in the country you are moving from. This requirement applies to all nationalities, including French citizens. Without this certificate, the import process will become complicated, and you may be required to pay taxes and duties.
Employer’s Letter
If you are moving for professional reasons, you need to provide a short letter from your employer in French. This letter should confirm that you are relocating your primary residence to France and have lived outside of France for at least 12 months prior to the arrival of your household goods. NM Europe can liase with your employer to explain exactly what is required.
Certificate(s) of title
If you are shipping a vehicle (car or motorcycle), we will need the original certificate of title for each vehicle. A copy of the purchase invoice in the name of the person receiving the shipment is also required.
Please note that, except for the certificate(s) of title, we do not require original documents. You can simply scan and email them. Also, keep in mind that French authorities will not accept photographs of these documents.
