CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Shipments of household goods
and personal effects can be imported duty free provided the shipper has owned
and used the goods for at least twelve (12) months prior to the relocation if
the shipment is coming from a non-EU country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following documents are needed for duty free importation:
- Detailed inventory in French, signed
by the shipper
- Certificate of Change of Residence
from French consulate
- Non Resale Attestation Form signed by
the shipper
The Change of Residence
Certificate is obtained by the shipper (relocate) when he/she collects his/her
visa from the French consulate. The Certificate should state that the shipper
hsa been a resident outside the EU for longer than 12 months before the
transfer.
A non-resale attestation form can also be obtained from the French
consulate. The form is in French, and will need to be signed by the shipper.
This form states that the goods being imported are for the personal use of the
shipper and not for resale.
If the shipper is being transferred for job related reasons, the Customs
Office will usually accept an attestation of transfer from the shipper's
employer, which should state that the individual is being transferred for
employment reasons and that he has not been a resident in the EU during the
prior 12 months. Also, his certificate of transfer will replace his change of
residence documentation.
PROHIBITED GOODS
Some prohibited goods incude, but are
not limited to:
- Live plants
- Ivory
- Drugs
- Ammunition
MOTOR VEHICLES
Vehicles can be imported duty free
provided they have been owned and used by the shipper for at least six months
prior to importation. The owner must have been living abroad for at least one
year. The shipper should have available:
- original document of titl
- certificate of change of
residence
- past registration
- past insurance cards
- sale invoice
- non-resale form signed by the
importer
LIQUOR
Shippers can import small and reasonable amounts of liquor (up to
fifty bottles) as part of a household good shipment. Duty and tax will be
applied on all liquor.
FIREARMS
Heavily restricted item:
Shipper will need to obtain
prior approval from the French Ministry of Defense to import firearms. (Import
permit issued by Directorate General of Customs, bureau D 3.)
PETS
All pets must have a certificate of health from a veterinarian
indicating that the pet is free from rabies, and has lived in the origin
country for at least six months. This certificate must be dated no less than
three days prior to departure. Alternately, the shipper can have a new rabies
inoculation certificated dated between one and six months of departure
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
- New items
- Jewelry and precious metals
- Antiques and art objects
NOTE - Customs regulations are
subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of
customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination
and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers.
Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, we cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other
detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your
local embassy or consulate.