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Importing a Car from Japan to France

France is a large market for Japanese imports, from collectors' cars to low-mileage daily drivers. Registration follows a clear path: customs, technical approval, then the carte grise.

Last updated: · By Japonic Trade

Key facts

Customs duty

10% of customs value

VAT

20%

Other tax

Ecological CO2 tax (malus) may apply depending on emissions and age

Approval

Individual approval (réception à titre isolé) through the regional authority (DREAL), if there is no EU certificate of conformity

Registration

Carte grise through ANTS

Step by step

  1. Buy and ship. We buy the car at auction or from our Stock Cars and ship it to a French port such as Le Havre or Marseille, or to a nearby EU port.
  2. Customs clearance. Pay 10% duty and 20% VAT on arrival; keep the export certificate, bill of lading and invoice.
  3. Technical approval. Most Japanese-market cars need an individual approval and a technical inspection before registration.
  4. Carte grise. Apply online through ANTS with your approval, customs and ownership documents, then insure the car.

Duties, taxes and homologation

Cars imported from outside the EU normally pay the EU customs duty on passenger cars (10% of the customs value) plus VAT at your country's rate, and some countries add their own registration tax.

Japanese and Korean market cars usually have no EU certificate of conformity, so most need individual vehicle approval and a technical inspection before they can be registered.

Frequently asked questions

How much tax do I pay importing a car from Japan to France?
Expect 10% customs duty and 20% VAT on the customs value. Depending on the car, a CO2-based ecological tax can also apply. Ask us for an estimate for a specific car.
Can I register a Japanese import in France?
Usually yes. Cars without an EU certificate of conformity normally go through an individual approval and inspection before the carte grise is issued.

Figures on this page are indicative and rates and rules change. Always confirm current duty, tax and approval requirements with your customs authority before you buy.

See what is available

Browse used cars from Japan in stock ready to ship, or learn how to read a Japanese auction sheet. Questions? Talk to us.

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