to self drive - customs??? legal requirements???

[beani]

help, I have read that if you drive your self over to france, you need a transfer of residency, from your local council or several other options,? for customs to verify why you are moving your own 'second hand' furniture, If you have new goods, you are supposed to have the new receipts for these, to show you have paid tax in the country of origin.

I also know of people, just moving there goods, and it does not seem to be an issue.

Does anyone know which way this should be done, as I would not like to be faced with the french customs, and good heavans, not the right paper work!!!

many thanks, Bev

[Will]

[quote]help, I have read that if you drive your self over to france, you need a transfer of residency, from your local council or several other options,? for customs to verify why you are moving your own 'se...[/quote]

There's a lot of rubbish about moving to France published in print, on the Internet, and on TV programmes - some of it based on out-of-date or obscure rules which don't apply, and the rest on 'urban myth'.

Rest assured, we've been back and forth between France and England many times, with hired transport and our own van, and although Customs have occasionally taken an interest (on either side), there has never been any need for either proof of residence transfer or receipts for goods. As long as the customs people are satisfied that it's personal property, for your own use, and you're not trying to evade duty, smuggle drugs, weapons or pornography, or carry illegal immigrants you have nothing to worry about.

[beani]

thank you for this, also, you said hired transport., we are in nottingham and looking to hire a van, luton size, but can not find a company that will let you take it out of the country? My partner has a clean HGV licence, so no worries there. Any ideas? Once again, many thanks, Bev

[Scalehill]

I found only 2 companies when I was looking for a Luton to go abroad. One of them had a charge based on mileage, which soon took it out of price range. I was stuck with using Budget, who charged a flat £100 per day. Try here.

http://www.budget.co.uk

[George]

[quote]thank you for this, also, you said hired transport., we are in nottingham and looking to hire a van, luton size, but can not find a company that will let you take it out of the country? My partner has...[/quote]

The company  I used last was local to me in Kent (Ton Hire), however I did enquire at Thrifty and and there was no problem taking theirs out of the country.

 

[Redcap]

[quote]I found only 2 companies when I was looking for a Luton to go abroad. One of them had a charge based on mileage, which soon took it out of price range. I was stuck with using Budget, who charged a fla...[/quote]

I am going to be using Ryder, they are not in Notts unfortunately but just to say that £100 per day with budget is about normal. Bear in mind that they have to cover insurance for france and continental breakdown insurance, make sure all this is included in the cost though.  Go and have a look at the vans too, make sure they are new, and have rails along the sides, start collecting loads of cardboard boxes not only for packing but to use as padding around and behind items such as freezers.  Don't forget plenty of good rope, or you can buy those special straps with buckle fasteners.

Regards,

Bob

[Will]

We used local companies to us in England (West Sussex), there were several which had no problems about taking vans to France - only additional charge was a small amount for extra breakdown insurance. Make sure you get the insurance green card and a letter from the hirer giving you permission to take it abroad (in lieu of the original registration document), just in case the gendarmes ask.