Car Shipping to France
2026 Guide
Car shipping to France is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to France, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with French and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to France.
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to France – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to France — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to France– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 20%
Cost: $1,000–$3,000+ (ocean), $10,000+ (air)
Main ports: Le Havre, Fos-sur-Mer
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: Contrôle Technique, Réception à Titre Isolé
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to France
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in France
Our local broker handles all French customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in France
After customs clearance and any required inspections, you will receive an 846 A certificate and conformity documentation before you can proceed with registration of your vehicle.
France Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to starts around USD $1,000, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 4-6 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Le Havre | $995 | $1,025 | $1,905 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Le Havre | $1,550 | $1,400 | $3,020 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
French Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in France nearby in Europe that we can ship a car to. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in France or Europe, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in France
Le Havre
Fos-sur-Mer
Marseilles
Bordeaux
Bremerhaven
Germany
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Antwerp
Belgium
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the French government. Some of these fees could include:
France Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Value-added tax (VAT)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection fee
Vehicle modification costs
(if non-conforming)
Car insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Generally, you can expect to pay a 20% VAT and a 10% import duty based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the vehicle.
French Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 20% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Classic Car Exemption | You may be eligible for exemption from some of these fees if the vehicle is over 30 years old and qualifies as a historic vehicle. Classics may qualify for duty exemption and reduced VAT (5.5%). |
Temporary Import Exemption | If you are a non-EU resident bringing a car into France temporarily, you may be able to use the EU temporary importation regime. You can import without paying normal import duty or VAT, provided it is intended for re-export and is not altered except for normal depreciation from use. |
Transfer of Residence Relief | If you are moving to France from the USA (or elsewhere) and shipping a car when you relocate, you may import the car as part of their personal effects so long as you have lived outside EU customs territory for at least 12 consecutive months and the vehicle must have been used at your former residence for at least 6 months. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in France.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to France, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to France.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with French emissions standards. France uses EU emissions standards.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with EU safety standards.
- If the car does not already have a European Certificate of Conformity confirming its compliance with safety and emissions standards, it must undergo an individual homologation process (réception à titre isolé) via DREAL/UTAC, which can be costly and take time.
- Once your car has met the standards set out by the government, you can obtain a government-issued certificate permitting you to bring your vehicle to France.
- Your vehicle may be exempt from some of these requirements if it is older than 30 years.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to France:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or French authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in France, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Import Declaration
Duty and VAT Assessment Documents
Customs clearance certificate
846 A after French customs clearance
Proof of conformity
such as a European COC, manufacturer attestation, DREAL attestation, or RTI approval, depending on the vehicle
Passport or Other Identification
Proof of Official Address Registration
Contrôle technique if the vehicle is used and subject to inspection
Proof of Insurance
or 30-day/90-day “border insurance”
Vehicle Registration in France
RegistrationAll vehicles imported permanently into France must be registered before they can be legally driven on French public roads. If you move to France and establish your main residence there, you generally have one month following importation to register your vehicle and obtain a certificat d’immatriculation or registration certification.
After customs clearance, French customs provides the documents needed for registration, including the customs declaration, payment receipt, and certificate of customs clearance no. 846 A. You will then need to complete the registration process through ANTS/France Titres or an authorized automotive professional.
For more information on the new Vehicle Registration System (SIV), visit the website of the National Agency for Secured Securities.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in France, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
France Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to France.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in France?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is EU “mutual recognition” for vehicles?
Mutual recognition means that if a vehicle is approved in one EU country, it can generally be registered in another without additional testing. This simplifies importing within the EU, though compliance with local regulations is still required.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.