Car Shipping Paris
Moving to Paris, France is a thrilling and attractive experience, but car rental costs can increase quickly. Saving money on gas and making the unfamiliar feel more like home are benefits of shipping an automobile to Paris. The best way to take in all of the iconic beauty of France's capital city, Paris, is by renting a car and exploring on your own. If you want your automobile transported to Paris on schedule and in perfect shape, you must engage a dependable international auto shipper to handle your transportation. Before your car can be shipped, the shipping agent will require you to submit paperwork to the company. These are the necessary forms:
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Signed Power of Attorney
- Auto Insurance Certificate
- Car Title and Registration
Your agent will provide you with all of the necessary paperwork to fill out and information on Customs requirements for exporting your car out of the United States.
Navigating Paris's Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
Paris enforces strict low emission zones (LEZ) to improve air quality, requiring vehicles to display a Crit'Air sticker indicating their emissions category. As of January 1, 2025, vehicles with a Crit'Air 3 sticker, including petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel cars registered before 2011, face restrictions during weekdays. Exceptions exist for occasional drivers who can obtain a '24-hour pass' allowing limited yearly access. It's essential to ensure your vehicle complies with these regulations to avoid fines and access limitations.
Understanding Import Duties and Taxes
Importing a car into France from outside the EU involves specific duties and taxes. A standard import duty of 10% applies to the vehicle's value, followed by a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the combined value of the car and shipping costs. However, classic cars over 30 benefit from exemptions, facing no import duty and a reduced VAT rate of 5.5%. Awareness of these costs helps in budgeting and ensures a smoother import process.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method for Your Vehicle
When shipping a car to Paris, your choice of transport method matters. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) is generally more affordable and suitable for standard, drivable vehicles, but it doesn't allow for personal belongings to be shipped with the car. Container shipping offers more protection, making it a better option for luxury or classic cars and for customers who want to include extra items. Depending on your budget, timeline, and the type of vehicle you're shipping, it’s worth discussing both options with your transport provider.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Paris
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $2000 | 5+21 days |
| Paris to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $3100 | 5+32 days |
| Paris to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $2000 | 5+21 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Paris | $450 | $3100 | 5+32 days |
| Paris to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $3100 | 6+32 days |
| Paris to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $2000 | 6+21 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Paris | $675 | $2000 | 6+21 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Paris | $775 | $3100 | 7+32 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Paris | $800 | $2000 | 6+21 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to Paris | $1,025 | $3100 | 7+32 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Requirements of Customs in Paris
You need to be aware of specific guidelines by Customs in France before you have the vehicle shipped overseas. When importing a car to Paris, many regulations must be followed precisely. Some of those are:
You will first need to make sure that any modifications that need to be made to your vehicle have been completed before shipping to Paris. Your car must meet all requirements in France to clear Customs. You must produce a registration for the car that clearly shows your name, and you will also need a commercial invoice or the original bill of sale for the car. Vehicles imported from the United States or Canada will require a VAT (Value Added Tax) at 19.6% of the vehicle value to be paid before Customs Clearance in Paris. The French Customs and Excise Service will collect duties at the port of entry to France. If you have a Commercial Invoice, the duty fee will be based on the amount listed on the invoice. If there is no commercial invoice, the agent will assess the value based on the Blue Book value listed in the United States. You will also need to file for a T1 Declaration to use your vehicle on the roadways in Paris. Once your vehicle has cleared Customs, you must apply to register the car in Paris and receive a French domestic license plate to operate the vehicle while in Paris. This must be procured within 4 months of the car arriving in Paris.
Before Your Vehicle Ships to Paris
Before your vehicle ships to Paris, you must work with the shipping agent to ensure that all paperwork and necessary documents are for shipping and Customs procedures. You will also need to discuss the cost of shipping and how your car can be shipped. The price will vary based on the Major Shipping Port that your car exports from and the distance to the location in France, the weight of your car and other details that the agent will go over with you. The agent will quote you the total amount due before shipping and once the vehicle arrives in Paris. There is one major port in Paris that receives cars that are imported and that port is the Le Havre Cruise Port. You can also ship to the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris by air.
You can ship by RoRo Shipping or Container Shipping when shipping by sea. RoRo is the least expensive and quickest way to ship by sea. Your vehicle will be driven onto the cargo ship in the United States, secured into place for the journey, and then driven off the boat when it reaches the port in Paris. Your vehicle must be emptied of all personal items and paperwork for RoRo Shipping. If you must transport household goods and personal items with your car, shipping in a container is the best option. The shipping time will take a little longer than RoRo, but it is valuable when you need to ship your belongings with your car. You can also use Air Shipping and have your vehicle flown to Paris. Shipping by air cargo is the quickest way to have your car shipped internationally. It is exceptionally valuable to those who need to have their vehicle in a short amount of time.
What to Expect Upon Arrival in France
Once your car arrives in Paris, it must go through French customs and be registered before it can be legally driven. This includes obtaining a French registration certificate (Carte Grise) and, if applicable, passing a technical inspection (Contrôle Technique). You’ll also need to convert certain vehicle features like headlights or speedometer units to meet French road standards. Working with a shipping company that provides destination services or connects you with local customs brokers can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Other Services
- Moving to Paris
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to ship a car to Paris from the U.S.?
To ship a car to Paris, you'll need the original vehicle title (free of liens or with a lien release), bill of sale, a completed shipping form, and a copy of your passport. Upon arrival in France, additional documents such as the bill of lading, purchase invoice, and a Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer are necessary for customs clearance. Ensuring all paperwork is complete helps prevent delays.
How long does it take to ship a car from the U.S. to Paris?
Shipping times vary based on the departure port and shipping method. Typically, it takes between 4 to 8 weeks for a car to arrive in France from the U.S., depending on factors like port congestion and vessel schedules.
What taxes and fees should I expect when importing a car to Paris?
Importing a car into France generally incurs a 10% customs duty on the vehicle's value, followed by a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the combined value of the car and shipping costs. Additional registration taxes may apply based on the vehicle's CO₂ emissions and engine power.
Are there exemptions for taxes when importing a car to France?
Yes, if you're relocating to France and have owned the vehicle for more than six months, you may qualify for exemptions from import duties and VAT. This requires proof of residency change and that the vehicle was used personally prior to import.
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