France Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This France customs guide is designed to support families and professionals planning international moving, overseas relocation or door-to-door shipping to the French Republic. France is a member of the European Union and follows EU customs frameworks, but applies its own national rules for duty-free eligibility, restricted goods, vehicles and pets.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to France, including export packing, freight coordination, customs documentation, vehicle import guidance and final delivery throughout Paris, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

1. Moving to France – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

France allows the duty-free import of used personal effects when transferring residence from a non-EU country, provided the following conditions are met:

Goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months
The importer must be taking permanent residence in France
Goods must be for personal use—not resale
The shipment must arrive within 12 months of your relocation

Important: Duty-free entry applies only to used items. New goods, gifts or recently purchased items may be subject to French VAT and customs duty.

1.2 Entry from EU vs Non-EU Countries

From EU: No customs clearance required
From non-EU (e.g., Canada): Full documentation and import declaration required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

You will typically need the following for French customs:

Copy of passport (photo page)
French residency permit, work contract, lease agreement or housing certificate
Detailed inventory list in French or English
Bill of lading / seaway bill / airway bill
Signed declaration confirming items are not for resale

2.2 Inventory Rules

Clearly label each item and carton—avoid vague terms like “misc.”
Separate new or high-value goods for customs review
Indicate quantities and descriptions for fragile items

H-H Relocations Tip: France appreciates well-documented shipments. Providing a French-language inventory accelerates processing and reduces inspection risk.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to France

3.1 Vehicle Requirements

You may import a private vehicle when moving to France if:

You have owned and used it abroad for at least 6 months
The vehicle meets French/EU technical standards
The vehicle is for personal—not commercial—use

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration and ownership papers
Bill of lading or shipping document
Proof of insurance
Residence documentation in France

Important: After import, vehicles must pass a French technical inspection (Contrôle Technique) before road use. Taxes may apply even when duty-free exemptions are granted.

4. Bringing Pets to France

France follows EU pet import rules for dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compatible microchip
Rabies vaccination compliant with EU rules
EU pet passport or veterinary certificate
Tapeworm treatment for certain pets

Pet Travel Tip: Ensure health certificates and vaccinations align with travel dates. Pets arriving without correct documents may be quarantined or refused entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Other Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol & Tobacco

France permits personal quantities of alcohol and tobacco, but commercial amounts are subject to duties and taxes. Alcohol included in household goods shipments must be clearly declared.

5.2 Food & Animal-Origin Products

France enforces EU import rules on food items containing meat, dairy and animal by-products. Many products are restricted or require certification.

Fresh meat, milk, cheese and some animal products from non-EU countries are restricted
Plant materials may require phytosanitary certificates
Items posing biosecurity threats may be seized or destroyed

5.3 Medicines & Controlled Goods

Some goods are permitted only with a prescription or official permit:

Prescription drugs and medical supplies
Certain chemicals, aerosols or hazardous materials
Restricted knives or weapons require prior authorization

Important: Attempting to import restricted goods without proper declaration may result in seizure, fines, or criminal penalties.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to France

The following items are strictly prohibited in France and must not be included in your shipment:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Unauthorized weapons, ammunition or explosives
Counterfeit currency or branded goods
Obscene or banned publications
Endangered species products without CITES permits
Hazardous chemicals and items banned by EU safety rules

Violations can result in goods being destroyed, returned or confiscated. Offenders may face fines or criminal charges.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to France

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area

For a successful international move from Toronto to France, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Start preparation early, especially for documentation
Use detailed inventories to avoid customs delays
Identify any new purchases and keep receipts separate
Confirm customs rules for electronics, artwork and antiques
Keep passports, residency paperwork and valuables with you

7.2 Why choose a France relocation specialist

France has complex documentation requirements. Using a specialist international moving company provides:

Correct inventory preparation and packing standards
Clear guidance on prohibited and restricted items
Door-to-door services including customs coordination
Access to destination agents throughout France

Relocation Tip: If possible, provide a French-language copy of your packing inventory—French customs officers process such shipments faster.

8. Useful Official Links – France

Always verify regulations directly with French authorities:

This guide supports your relocation preparation. Final import decisions rest with French Customs and other competent authorities.