International Moving

Customs Information

Be prepared. Learn the requirements and restrictions of your destination country.

Moving across international borders can be complicated. In order to be fully prepared, you should know what documents (identification, titles, insurance certificates, bills of sale, etc.) are required by customs in your destination country. Many countries also have various restrictions on the type or quantity of goods or pets that you are allowed to bring into the country. Researching well ahead of time will ensure that your relocation is successful and problem-free.

FRANCE

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Passport

Original Visa, Residence and Work Permit (requirement may vary according to nationality)

Certificate of Change of Residence obtained from the French Consulate with Customer's signature indicating dates of stay abroad

Attestation de non-cession (signed original stating Customer has lived abroad for at least one year, has owned all items for more than six months, and that goods will not be sold for twelve months)

Proof of residence in France (Certificate of Residence, lease contract or utility bills)

Letter of professional transfer from employer indicating date of employment abroad

Valued inventory in French (valued in French Francs) dated and signed by Customer -- three copies

Inventory must indicate contents of each carton

List all electrical items separately (purchase invoices required) must show brand name and serial number

Delivery address in France with access, floor, entry code if any

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Used household goods duty-free if owned abroad for six months, if the owner is moving his principal residence to France, and the items arrive within one year from the arrival date reflected on the Change of Residence

Regulations are different if the Customer is establishing a secondary residence

If SECOND shipment anticipated, it must be stated at the time of the first importation

Inheritance:

Declaration from notary with inventory of goods, date of death, relationship & French Resident
The goods must be shipped within one year from date of death

Wedding presents:

Marriage Certificate and French Resident Permit
Goods must be shipped within one month of wedding

Students

Official attestation of attendance at school or university. The scholar's goods must be shipped within one month from date of registration at school or university.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

Alcohol must be inventoried separately with brand name, type, amount, number of bottles, and value (Import License or Liquor License may be required)

Tobacco products are allowed, but subject to duty or tax

New items (less than six months old) are subject to tax if arriving from EEC countries or tax and duties if coming from other countries and must be documented with sales invoices

Works of Art, oil paintings, sculptures, antiques, etc. should have Certificate of Authenticity

Video tapes, fax machines, telex machines and books will be held temporarily by customs until necessary authorization is obtained for each item

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Paints, polishes, and cleaning solvents

Drugs and narcotics

Live plants

Ivory, all animal skins

Pornographic material

Explosives & matches

Guns, weapons and ammunition are highly regulated, and require various registrations and certificates and have the authorization from the French Defense Ministry (provide make, caliber, serial number and purpose)

Some weapons strictly prohibited
Do not ship with household goods

MOTOR VEHICLES

Expatriates who intend to remain in France for a period of time may import one auto duty-free as personal effects

Foreigners may import an auto duty-free provided the owner has been living abroad for more than one year, the car has been owned for six months prior to import, and the car is correctly registered as a commercial car

Auto must not be disposed of within two years of entry into France

MUST BE LISTED ON INVENTORY (giving year, make, model, chassis engine, horse power and registration numbers)

Certain makes are not permitted

Vehicle must pass inspection for compliance with French standards and must be road-worthy

Documents required:

Purchase Invoice (original)
Original title showing owner's name and vehicle serial number (original)
Insurance Certificate from French insurer
Registration Card (original)
Plate numbers

PETS

Must be at least three months old

Subject to quarantine

Endangered species and exotic animals prohibited

Pets should be accompanied by their owner with vaccination card and certificate of good health

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is only a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this country and is solely for general guidance. Since regulations are subject to change without notice, iMoveInternational.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate prior to your move for the most up-to-date and complete information.