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Car Shipping to France

Ship Cars to France - Get Instant Rates

Ship cars to France with a reliable US partner using container shipping and air freight. Since 2007, we've delivered thousands of cars to France from auctions and dealers for retail and wholesale importers.

Save big by using our consolidated container service from California, Florida, and New Jersey. Get instant car shipping rates to Le Havre and other ports in France using our car shipping calculator.


Frequent Importer? Request wholesale container shipping rates below.

Car Shipping Rates to France

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us to Ship Your Car to France?

With decades of expertise in international car shipping, we've helped thousands of customers ship their dream cars to France. Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes:

  • Expert car shipping services via container, RoRo, or air freight
  • Weekly container consolidation saving up to 50% on shipping costs
  • Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
  • Nationwide vehicle pickup from all major US cities
  • Door-to-door delivery through our trusted partners in Europe
  • Specialist knowledge of French import regulations and requirements

We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the US using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.

You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.

For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.

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Export Locations

We ship cars from all major US cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York, and more, to ports in France like Le Havre.

Learn more about our locations here.

International Car Shipping Methods

AIRPLANE

Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.

Have Questions?

FRENCH CAR IMPORT COSTS

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to France?

Base shipping costs to France include:

  • $1,050–$1,800 for port-to-port container shipping
  • Destination fees starting at $600, depending on the receiving agent in France
  • Import duties of 10% plus 19% VAT

Additional considerations:

  • Our container consolidation service saves up to 50% on shipping costs
  • Door-to-door service includes all handling and documentation fees
  • Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for added peace of mind
Porsche 911 GT3 cup car

Get Import Quote

Our car shipping calculator provides instant rates for importing cars from France, including all duties, taxes, and fees.

SHIPPING TIMES FROM USA

Transit times to France vary depending on the shipping method and destination:
  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
  • An additional week if using shared container service
  • 2–3 weeks sailing time to Bremerhaven from the East Coast
  • 5–10 weeks sailing time to Bremerhaven from the West Coast

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

  • Vehicle Collection: Fees vary by pickup location in the USA
  • Import Duties: The import duty on cars to France is 10% plus 19% VAT. However, when importing classic cars over 30 years old, there is no import duty, and the VAT is reduced to only 5.5%.
  • Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available for added peace of mind

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.

We do not accept credit card payments.

“Excellent communication and genuine interest in our vehicles well being throughout the whole process. Highly recommend them for all your vehicle shipping needs!”
Alexander
San Francisco, California

Protect Your Car During Shipping to France

Protect your vehicle during international shipping to France with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your car from its arrival at our warehouse through overseas delivery by our trusted agents. Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover international shipping. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.
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Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions

We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers and event organizers turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.

  • End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
  • Vehicle collection & export clearance
  • Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
  • Vehicle and parts consolidation
  • Use our carrier bookings or your own
  • Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers 
  • Expedited Air Freight options

Required Documents to Ship Cars to France

Essential Documentation

  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Bill of Sale
  • Original Vehicle Title or Lien Release Letter (if applicable)
  • Completed Online Shipping Form
  • Copy of Passport (for international citizens)
  • EIN Letter (for US citizens)

Vehicle Age Requirements

  • Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT and EPA regulations if unmodified.
  • Vehicles under 25 years: Must comply with US safety and emissions standards.
  • Factory-built race cars: No age restrictions apply.
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Dedicated Export Team

Our experienced team handles all US export procedures, ensuring your vehicle is approved for shipping to France.

The French Car Import Process

Car Shipping Cost & Duties:

Base Import Costs

  • 10% import duty for cars
  • 19% VAT applied to the total value (vehicle cost + shipping + duty)

Additional Fees

  • Terminal Handling Charge: Varies by port in France
  • Customs Inspection Fee: If applicable, based on vehicle type and condition

Duty Exemptions

  • Vehicles over 30 years old: No import duty, and VAT is reduced to 7%
  • Returning US-built vehicles: Duty-free if previously exported

Car Shipping Process to France

Shipping cars to France from the USA is a straightforward process when working with experienced professionals. At West Coast Shipping, we handle every step to ensure your car arrives safely and on time.

Transit Times for Car Shipments to France:

  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading in the USA
  • An additional week for shared container service
  • 2–3 weeks sailing time from the East Coast to Le Havre
  • 5–10 weeks sailing time from the West Coast to Le Havre

Car Shipping Services to Germany:

  • Container, RoRo, and Air Freight options
  • Secure container loading with crating options available
  • US export and French customs clearance handled by our team
  • Short-term and long-term secure storage options available

Registering Your Car in France

Importing a car to France requires several key registration steps and documentation to ensure compliance with local laws.

Essential Documentation

  • Original bill of lading
  • Bill of sale
  • Original vehicle title or foreign registration
  • Customs clearance certificate
  • Vehicle insurance certificate

Import Car Restrictions

  • Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT and EPA regulations if unmodified.
  • Vehicles under 25 years: Must comply with France safety and emissions standards.

Vehicles Over 30 Years Old

  • Classic cars are eligible for reduced VAT at 7% and are exempt from import duties.

Our team will guide you through the entire car registration process in France, ensuring compliance with all local regulations.

West Coast Shipping in the News

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to France

How much does it cost to ship a car to France?

The average cost to ship a car to France from the USA ranges between $1,050 and $1,800 per car.

This port-to-port shipping cost does not include vehicle collection, destination fees, import duties, and cargo damage protection. The most affordable destination port in France for container shipping is Le Havre.

Get an instant rate using our car import calculator.

How long does it take to ship a car from the USA to France?

Vehicles typically take 30 to 45 days to sail from the US to France, depending on the coast they sail from. Cars shipped from our facilities in NJ and FL would arrive faster than cars shipped from our California warehouse. Container loading and customs clearance typically adds about 2 weeks to the process.

Can I ship classic cars to France?

Yes, France ranks among the top destinations for classic cars exported from the United States. When importing classic cars over 30 years old to France, there is no import duty, and the VAT is reduced to only 5.5% instead of the standard 19%. We have extensive experience shipping valuable classic vehicles with the proper care and protection they require.

What documentation is required to ship a car overseas?

Required documents include: Original vehicle title, Bill of sale, Power of Attorney form, and a completed Online Shipping Form. International residents must also provide a copy of their passport. US citizens need to provide a copy of their EIN Letter. If there is a lien on the car, a lien release letter is also required.

How much are the import duties on cars in France?

As of 2024, the import duty on cars to France is 10% plus 19% VAT. However, when importing classic cars over 30 years old, there is no import duty, and the VAT is reduced to only 5.5%. Destination charges are approximately $600 and depend on the receiving import agent in France.

Can I import a car to France duty-free?
If you are moving to France, you can potentially avoid paying import duties entirely if you meet the following requirements: lived outside the EU for at least the past 12 months, plan to permanently move to France, plan to register the vehicle in your name, owned the vehicle for at least the past 6 months, and will not re-export or sell the vehicle within 12 months. Students are exempt from this form of customs clearance.
How do I register an imported car in France?

To register your newly imported car in France, follow these steps: Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the car manufacturer, get the car inspected at an approved technical control center, collect necessary documents (proof of identity and address, proof of ownership, CoC, 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, and receive your new French registration card (carte grise).

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