SMT Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 We are considering buying a UK registered LHD campervan to take to France with us when we move at the end of the month. It's a 1995 VW van with a UK camper conversion. If I have no Certificate of Conformity for it, is it going to be a headache to register on French plates?Thanks - Simon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceni Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 [quote user="SMT"]If I have no Certificate of Conformity for it, is it going to be a headache to register on French plates?[/quote]Probably - it is unlikely that any of the appliances will comply with NF regs. But suggest that you search this site for the experiences of others.Johnnot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 If it's really important to you might think about temporarily removing all the caravanny bits which wouldn't comply and try your luck with it just as a VW van [;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anton Redman Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 VW were pretty early in forcing their rules on a limited range of convertors. Find out who built/converted it and ring them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMT Posted January 1, 2008 Author Share Posted January 1, 2008 It's a professional Holdsworth Conversion (Richard Holsworth), but unfortunately they are no longer in business.I found this French company selling VW campers, some of which look 'home made'http://www.autopauto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=21Would that have any bearing on anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samanta Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 [quote user="ErnieY"]If it's really important to you might think about temporarily removing all the caravanny bits which wouldn't comply and try your luck with it just as a VW van [;-)][/quote] Don't do this, you'll need to replace camping area with original seats / seatbelts and the Carte gris will be for a van, not a camping car. Veritas is the official body who issues the camping car certificate, 215€. some departments are easier than others. I had to remove all my gas appliances in dept. 79, but other people have been luckier. all the best!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 In order to import a camper, you will need to submit it for a single vehicle type approval inspection. To do this, you'll need to obtain a type approval certificate from VW for the base vehicle, plus a gas/electricity compliance report from an independent testing company such as Bureau Veritas, plus a fresh controle technique certificate.If the original vehicle's roof has been removed in order to fit an elevating or high top roof, then you will also need to produce a constructor certificate from Holdsworth - not possible in this case. You will also find that older UK gas installations do not usually comply with European safety standards, eg no safety cut-off valves fitted, obsolete gas regulators.So, for a vehicle of that vintage, unless you already own it and cherish it, then it's really not worth the expense and hassle involved. Better look for a French van instead,The website in your link sells VW Westfalia conversions - a very reputable brand and widely available in France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMT Posted January 2, 2008 Author Share Posted January 2, 2008 It does have a high top. Sounds like it is going to be far more hassle than it is worth. Thanks for the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMT Posted January 6, 2008 Author Share Posted January 6, 2008 One more question on the subject of importing campervans. Is the process of re-registering a German registered campervan easier as it would already have TUV approval?Thanks - Simon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Sorry, it's the same procedure here for German campers - the TUV has no validity in France in this respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewinFrance Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 ... but importing a German-registered camper and obtaining French plates with single-vehicle approval is possible, if pricey - but then 'vans are cheaper in Germany so it can be worthwhile. Thanks to Sunday Driver's help and advice we are now almost there with our ex-German Fiat/Hymer, although there does seem to be differences between Departments. In 17 we've had to change mains power outlets and gas regulators and add some vents for Bureau Veritas approval - nothing too tricky, but our 'van is a known chassis/body combination.Don't want to speak too soon, but hopefully those '17' plates will go on this month - the 'van arrived here in October, so you need to be patient!Sunday Driver's advice comes highly recommended - believe in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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