Importing an American Car to France: A Guide 2026

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in France and the indicative costs for 2026. Values should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in France?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in France.
• Delivery in France. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in France.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and VAT is automatically charged in France. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each quote.

Taxes on registration (carte grise)

The registration certificate incurs a regional fee, calculated per vehicle (CV) and with different values in each region, plus a fixed fee and postage. The CO2 penalty and the penalty by weight of 2026 do not apply to a used vehicle whose first registration was before January 1, 2015 — the case for all classic cars.

Prior to enrollment, it is mandatory to obtain a tax clearance certificate, issued by the tax service, also for professionals.

Approval: RTI or FFVE certificate

A car under 30 years old without a European Certificate of Conformity (COC) undergoes a separate inspection (RTI) at DREAL, including tests — a lengthy and expensive process. For cars 30 years or older, the FFVE certificate replaces the RTI and opens the way for collectors to enter the carte grise category.

Classic style: carte grise collection

Requirements: over 30 years old, model no longer in production, and original features preserved. Advantages: technical inspection every 5 years, access to low-emission zones, and authorized black license plates. The FFVE certificate costs €75 (€90 for an imported vehicle) from October 1, 2026.

Annual tax

There is no annual road tax for private vehicles. Company vehicles used in business are subject to their own annual taxes.

Indicative costs in France (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
Tax clearance	Mandatory, free
Malus CO2 and malus to weight	0 € (First registration before 2015)
Regional rate of the carte grise	Due to the tax evader's rate, it varies by region.
FFVE Certificate (≥ 30 years)	90 € for an imported vehicle
RTI at DREAL (	Under budget — it can be high

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the French authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Do you want an American car in France?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Does an American classic pay malus in France? No, if the first registration was before 2015. This is the case for all classic cars and most youngtimers.

What is the tax quitus? A document from the tax service confirming the vehicle's VAT status. Without it, ANTS will not issue the carte grise — also for professionals.

Gray collection or normal card? For a car that is 30 years old or more, the collection simplifies everything (no RTI, inspection every 5 years). The downside is some restrictions on professional use.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Italy · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: service-public.gouv.fr (CO2 malus and weight malus); impots.gouv.fr (tax refund). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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