Importing a car from the EU and registering it in France

A successful intra-EU purchase starts with the right paperwork.

• A detailed purchase invoice
• European Certificate of Conformity (COC)
• The foreign registration certificate and, where applicable, a valid roadworthiness certificate

Registration follows a specific administrative path.

• Obtain the tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) from the authorities
• Submit the registration certificate (carte grise) application
• Have the French plates fitted once the certificate is issued

For luxury and sports cars, registration can be a heavy cost.

• CO2 penalty (malus) based on emissions, often high on powerful engines
• The registration certificate (carte grise) calculated on fiscal horsepower and the regional rate
• On Luxydrive, the registration cost is shown on every listing, with a free, public fiscal horsepower calculator

The VAT regime depends on the vehicle's status.

• A vehicle considered new for VAT purposes follows specific rules
• For a used car, the regime differs (a margin scheme is possible on the professional side)
• For the details, see our dedicated guide on VAT for vehicles

Some high-end specifics call for extra vigilance.

• A potentially very high penalty (malus) on large-displacement engines
• Compliance and type-approval to check before buying
• The total cost of ownership to factor into your decision