Skip to main content

Vehicle import · France

Import a car from France

French-built cars pay the EU rate. Allied files the CBP entry, the DOT HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 at any U.S. port.

Check your vehicleCall (908) 291-8001

Duty in 2026

What duty does a vehicle from France pay?

France is in the European Union, so the EU Section 232 agreement applies. These totals include the base duty.
Total duty on vehicles from France, entries in 2026
VehicleTotal dutyChapter 99 heading
Car made in 2001 or earlier (8703)10%9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.39 (Section 301)
EU-built car made in 2002 or later (8703)15%9903.94.51
Citroën 2CV or other car of 1,000 cc or less (8703.21)15%9903.82.10 (steel derivative)
Van built to carry goods (8704), made in 2001 or earlier25%Base rate. No Section 232, and 9903.05.38 adds nothing.

Since July 24, 2026, a product of the EU that pays no Section 232 duty pays the Section 301 forced labor duty: 10% in total when the base rate is under 10% (9903.05.39, U.S. note 52).

CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464%, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%. All rates and a worked example.

Leaving the country

Which export documents do I need from France?

French Customs requires an export declaration for a vehicle that leaves the EU. A used car leaves under its current French registration. The old export card no longer exists.

  • Export declaration

    Made by the seller as exporter, or by an intermediary such as a customs broker or the buyer. It goes to the customs office for the place where the seller is established.

  • Invoice and carte grise

    The declaration needs the invoice and a copy of the certificat d'immatriculation (the carte grise).

  • New cars: WW registration

    A new car that was never registered leaves under a temporary WW registration, valid for one month and renewable once.

Arrival

Where does a vehicle from France arrive, and does the steering side matter?

Ports of entry

Vehicles from France usually cross the Atlantic to East Coast ports. Allied files at any U.S. port.

Left-hand drive

France drives on the right, so French cars are left-hand drive.

Common imports

Which vehicles do people import from France?

The route and the duty depend on the vehicle. These are common cases for this country.

  • Citroën 2CV

    Its engine is under 1,000 cc, so the steel derivative duty brings the total to 15% at any age.

  • Citroën DS and SM, Peugeot 205 GTI, Renault 5 Turbo

    These come in under the 25-year and 21-year rules. Made in 2001 or earlier, they pay 10% in total: the 2.5% base rate plus the Section 301 forced labor duty.

  • Citroën Type H van

    Classification follows the design. A cargo van is a goods vehicle at 25%. A passenger version is a car: 10% in total with the Section 301 forced labor duty.

  • Bugatti

    CBP classified a 1936 Bugatti 57G race car that won Le Mans in heading 9705, free of duty (HQ 962234). Most Bugattis do not qualify.

Who files the French export declaration?

French Customs names the seller as the exporter. The seller can use a customs broker, or the buyer can file. Agree on this in the bill of sale.

Our service

How does Allied handle a vehicle from France?

We file the U.S. side of the import. You get a written quote before we start.

Before you buy: send the listing, a photo of the labels and the export document. We confirm the HS-7 box, the EPA code, the country of origin and the duty.

Before arrival: we file the CBP entry and transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.

After release: we send you the released entry papers for your state title. See the full import process.

Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)

Quote on request

Do not send an EIN, a Social Security number or a password in this form. We ask for them securely later.

Or call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com.

Questions

Importing a vehicle from France: common questions

What is the duty on a Citroën 2CV?

15% in total. The 2CV has an engine under 1,000 cc, so it falls in 8703.21. That subheading is on the Section 232 steel derivative list, which has no age exception.

Does the car keep its French plates for export?

A used car is exported under its current French registration. The export declaration needs a copy of the carte grise and the invoice.

Is a Citroën H van a car or a truck?

It depends on the design. A van built to carry goods falls in heading 8704 at 25%. A version built to carry people falls in 8703: the 2.5% base rate plus the Section 301 forced labor duty, 10% in total. We classify from the specifications and photos.

Buying a vehicle from France? Check it first.

Send us the listing and the labels. We confirm the route and the duty in a written quote before it ships.

Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com

Check your vehicleAsk for a quote

Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.

Sources