Moving to France

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.

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

Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook Entry for France

Wikipedia Entry for France