Shipping a car to France requires careful planning, proper documentation, and an understanding of the international vehicle transport process.
Whether you're relocating to France, purchasing a classic European vehicle, or expanding your automotive business into the French market, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the car shipping process, from initial preparation to final delivery and registration.
The first phase of shipping your car to France involves thorough planning and research to ensure a smooth process.
Shipping a car internationally requires advance planning. Typical timelines for shipping to France include:
East Coast to France: 2-3 weeks sailing time plus 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
West Coast to France: 5-10 weeks sailing time plus 2 weeks for processing
Consolidated Container Service: Add an additional week if sharing container space
Plan your shipment at least 6-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak shipping seasons (summer months and December-January), to secure space and avoid premium rates.
Two primary methods are available for shipping cars to France, each with distinct advantages:
Container shipping provides maximum protection for your vehicle during transit. Your car is loaded into a sealed shipping container, protecting it from weather elements and potential damage.
Advantages of Container Shipping:
Superior protection from weather and handling damage
Enhanced security against theft and vandalism
Ability to ship non-running vehicles
Option to consolidate multiple vehicles in one container
Container shipping is ideal for:
Luxury or high-value vehicles
Classic or collectible cars
Non-operational vehicles
Shipments to regions with security concerns
RoRo shipping involves driving your vehicle directly onto specialized vessels designed with multiple decks for vehicle transport.
Advantages of RoRo Shipping:
Often more cost-effective for single vehicle shipments
Faster loading and unloading process
More frequent sailing schedules
RoRo shipping is suitable for:
Standard production vehicles
Lower-value inventory
Vehicles in operational condition
For a detailed comparison of these shipping methods, visit our article on comparing shipping options for France: Container vs. RoRo.
For those with urgent timelines or high-value vehicles requiring the utmost care, air freight provides the fastest shipping option to France.
Advantages of Air Freight:
Dramatically reduced transit times (days instead of weeks)
Maximum security and minimal handling
Reduced risk of damage or exposure to elements
Ideal for time-sensitive deliveries or rare vehicles
Air freight is particularly suitable for:
Exotic or ultra-luxury vehicles
Rare collector cars requiring minimal handling
Vehicles needed for time-sensitive events (shows, exhibitions, races)
Situations where time savings outweigh the higher cost
While air freight typically costs 5-10 times more than ocean shipping options, the significant reduction in transit time and enhanced security make it the premium choice for select vehicles and circumstances.
West Coast Shipping offers specialized air freight services for vehicles requiring expedited delivery to France, with comprehensive door-to-door handling and all necessary customs documentation.
Understanding the costs involved in shipping your car to France helps with budgeting and decision-making:
Base shipping costs to France typically include:
$1,050–$1,800 for port-to-port container shipping
Destination fees starting at $600, depending on the receiving agent in France
Additional costs to consider:
Vehicle collection fees (vary by pickup location in the USA)
Import duties (10% of vehicle value for standard cars)
VAT (19% applied to the total value: vehicle cost + shipping + duty)
Optional cargo protection insurance
Cost-saving tip: For classic cars over 30 years old, there is no import duty, and the VAT is reduced to only 5.5%.
To get an accurate estimate for your specific situation, use West Coast Shipping's car import calculator for instant rates.
Proper preparation of your vehicle is essential for a smooth shipping process and to avoid delays or complications.
Before shipping, thoroughly clean your car inside and out. This serves two important purposes:
Facilitates customs inspections
Allows you to document the pre-shipping condition accurately
Take detailed photos of your vehicle from multiple angles, documenting any existing scratches, dents, or other damage. These photos will be valuable in case you need to file a claim for any damage that might occur during transit.
Several technical preparations are necessary before shipping:
Ensure the battery is fully charged
Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
Reduce fuel to approximately 1/4 tank
Disable any alarm systems
Remove or secure any loose parts or accessories
Check tire pressure
Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle. Personal items are:
Not covered by shipping insurance
May cause customs delays or complications
Could result in additional fees or penalties
For a comprehensive checklist on preparing your car for shipment, check out our detailed guide on preparing your car for international shipping to France.
Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process. Here's what you'll need:
Original Vehicle Title: Must be free of liens or include a lien release letter
Bill of Sale: Showing proof of ownership and vehicle value
Completed Online Shipping Form: Provided by your shipping company
Power of Attorney: Authorizing the shipping company to handle export procedures
Copy of Passport (for international citizens) or EIN Letter (for US citizens)
When your vehicle arrives in France, you'll need additional documentation:
Original Bill of Lading: Provided by the shipping company
Purchase Invoice: Showing the value of the vehicle
Certificate of Conformity (CoC): From the vehicle manufacturer
Customs Clearance Certificate: Obtained after paying import duties and taxes
Vehicle Insurance Certificate: Valid for France
Having all documentation prepared in advance helps prevent delays and ensures a smoother customs clearance process.
Once you've chosen your shipping method and prepared your documentation, it's time to book your shipment.
When choosing an international car shipping company, consider:
Experience with shipping to France specifically
Reputation and customer reviews
Range of services offered (door-to-door vs. port-to-port)
Insurance options
Tracking capabilities
Customer support
West Coast Shipping offers comprehensive shipping services to France with nearly two decades of experience in international vehicle logistics.
The typical booking process includes:
Requesting a quote through an online form or by calling the shipping company
Providing details about your vehicle (make, model, year, condition)
Choosing your preferred shipping method and any additional services
Receiving a detailed quote and shipping timeline
Confirming your booking and making the necessary payments
Pro tip: Book your shipment 6-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
Depending on your location and chosen service, you'll either need to drop off your vehicle or arrange for pickup.
If dropping off your vehicle, you'll need to deliver it to the shipping company's facility. West Coast Shipping offers convenient drop-off locations in:
California (near the Port of Oakland)
Florida (Fort Lauderdale)
New Jersey
For added convenience, many shipping companies offer vehicle collection services. This door-to-door option includes:
Pickup from your specified location
Transportation to the shipping facility
All necessary handling and processing
Collection services typically incur additional fees based on the pickup location and distance to the shipping facility.
Once your vehicle has been dropped off or collected, the shipping process begins.
If you've chosen container shipping, your vehicle will be:
Carefully driven or winched into the container
Secured using specialized straps and bracing
Protected from movement during transit
Sealed for security
For RoRo shipping, your vehicle will be:
Driven onto the vessel
Parked in a designated area
Secured to the deck
Prepared for ocean transit
Before your vehicle can leave the United States, it must clear export customs:
Your shipping company submits export documentation to US Customs
Customs reviews the documentation and may inspect the vehicle
Once approved, the vehicle receives export clearance
The vehicle is loaded onto the vessel for departure
During ocean transit, your vehicle will be:
Transported on a cargo vessel across the Atlantic
Subject to standard shipping routes and schedules
Tracked through the shipping company's system
Protected by cargo insurance (if purchased)
Transit times vary based on departure location:
East Coast departures: 2-3 weeks to France
West Coast departures: 5-10 weeks to France
When your vehicle arrives in France, several important steps must be completed before you can take possession.
Upon arrival at the French port (typically Le Havre), your vehicle will:
Be unloaded from the vessel
Undergo an initial inspection
Be transferred to a customs holding area
Await customs clearance
The customs clearance process in France includes:
Submission of import documentation
Calculation of import duties and taxes
Payment of all applicable fees
Inspection of the vehicle for compliance
Issuance of a customs clearance certificate
Import duties and taxes typically include:
10% import duty on the vehicle value
19% VAT on the total value (vehicle + shipping + duty)
Special note for classic cars: Vehicles over 30 years old are exempt from import duty and qualify for a reduced VAT rate of only 5.5%.
Before registration, your vehicle must meet French standards:
Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer
Pass a technical inspection (Contrôle Technique)
Make any necessary modifications to comply with French regulations
Common modifications include:
Headlight adjustments for right-hand driving
Speedometer conversion to kilometers
Installation of required safety equipment
The final phase involves taking delivery of your vehicle and completing the registration process.
Depending on your arrangement with the shipping company, delivery options include:
Port pickup: Collecting your vehicle directly from the port
Terminal delivery: Pickup from a designated terminal
Door delivery: Direct delivery to your specified address
To register your newly imported car in France, follow these steps:
Gather necessary documents:
Proof of identity and address
Proof of ownership
Certificate of Conformity
Technical inspection report
Customs clearance certificate
Complete form cerfa n°13750
Submit all documents to your local prefecture or online via the ANTS website
Pay the registration fee and taxes
Receive your new French registration card (carte grise)
The registration process typically takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
Before driving your vehicle in France, you must obtain proper insurance:
Minimum third-party liability insurance is legally required
Consider comprehensive coverage for imported vehicles
Ensure your policy meets all French legal requirements
Different types of vehicles may require special handling or face unique regulations when shipping to France.
France is a popular destination for classic car enthusiasts. When shipping classic cars:
Vehicles over 30 years old are exempt from import duties
Reduced VAT rate of 5.5% applies
Emissions standards are often relaxed
Special documentation may be required to certify the vehicle's age and authenticity
You can ship non-running cars to France, but there are special considerations:
Container shipping is required (RoRo is not an option)
Additional equipment may be needed for loading and unloading
Customs may require an explanation for why the car isn't operational
Additional handling fees may apply
For race cars, modified vehicles, or other specialized automobiles:
Import permits may be required
Special documentation proving the vehicle's purpose
Compliance with specific safety regulations
Potential restrictions on road use
Based on years of experience shipping vehicles to France, here are some best practices:
Avoid peak shipping seasons (summer and December-January) when possible
Allow extra time for unexpected delays
Book your shipment 6-8 weeks in advance
Consider seasonal weather conditions at both origin and destination
Consider consolidated container shipping to share costs
Ship from the East Coast if possible (shorter transit time means lower costs)
For classic cars, ensure proper documentation to qualify for duty exemption
Compare quotes from multiple providers, but beware of unusually low prices
Keep all shipping documents organized and accessible
Maintain regular contact with your shipping company
Ask for tracking information and updates
Have a point of contact in France if possible
Keep copies of all documentation, both physical and digital
Shipping your car to France is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and the right shipping partner, it can be a smooth and straightforward process.
Ready to start your car's journey to France? Request a personalized quote today and let West Coast Shipping handle the complexities of international vehicle shipping while you focus on your exciting new chapter in France.
For more comprehensive information about shipping cars to France, including regulations, costs, and other important considerations, explore our ultimate guide to shipping cars to France.