Bringing my VW Golf (from USA) into France

[Evleen]

I want to bring in my VW Golf to France. The car was purchased in California (where I currently live). It complies with all emission and other standards here.

Does anyone have any information about this type endeavor? I am told that French standards are well defined (but, what exactly are they?? That is the Question that no-one seems to be able to answer thus far!!!

Any information hugely appreciated!

Thank you, and ... Bonne route!

[A_Redman]

At first sight I thought you would be hit for 10% import duty and 19.6% TVA ( 31.56% in total) but French Embassy site in US lists an exemption for people moving permanently to France. Likely compliance issues:

The speedometer may not have any kilometre markings meaning either a new Speedo or dismantling and a new card putting in.
European taillight colours are amber for turn indicators and red for brake and rear lights therefore you may need new rear lights and indicators
Car will probably not have been crash tested to European regulations with low impact bumpers on.
Car may not have been tested as compliant with European emissions regulations with Californian equipment on.

I think you may find you can overcome the last two by finding a helpful C.T. station. I would also try contacting VW in USA advice.

I believe RoRo, roll on roll shipping is available from the West Coast, some links below.

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/customs/5000.asp
http://www.autoshippers.co.uk/
http://www.buyclassiccars.com/shipping.asp
http://www.movingcar.net/international.htm

Despite comments about high cost of second hand cars in France I would do a full costing before spending the money on shipping.

[Mpprh]

Hi

I've only imported new EU spec vehicles into France.

US / Japanese / Euro specs are very different ........ even for apparently the same model.

I'd check out what exemptions are available for private individuals arriving in EU with a vehicle previously registered to them in a non EU state.

It's probably also worth contacting one of the Belgian import - export specialists. They can give you better advice. And once registered in EU transfers are easy.

But .......... why not just sell at home and buy a EU conforming equivalent here ? It may be cheaper than the conversion costs + the transport ?

Peter
The Languedoc Page : http://tlp.netfirms.com

[Kevinmc]

A friend brought a Rangerover from California and wishes he hadn't. It's proved nigh on impossible to get type approval and he's been queried on all sorts of components, for example the windscreen.

Sell up and buy a Golf in Europe. You'll have enough to contend with as it is.