We select classic American cars in the USA, handle transport and customs, and deliver the vehicle, cleared through customs in the European Union, directly to your dealership or address in France. Local registration is the buyer's responsibility. In France, collector status makes registering a classic American car much simpler. For a car less than 30 years old, individual homologation is the real cost.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Customs duties.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n VAT.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 the case for all classic cars.<\/p>\n Prior to enrollment, it is mandatory to obtain a tax clearance certificate, issued by the tax service, also for professionals.<\/p>\n A car under 30 years old without a European Certificate of Conformity (COC) undergoes a separate inspection (RTI) at DREAL, including tests \u2014 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u20ac75 (\u20ac90 for an imported vehicle) from October 1, 2026.<\/p>\n There is no annual road tax for private vehicles. Company vehicles used in business are subject to their own annual taxes.<\/p>\nTaxes on registration (carte grise)<\/h2>\n
Approval: RTI or FFVE certificate<\/h2>\n
Classic style: carte grise collection<\/h2>\n
Annual tax<\/h2>\n
Indicative costs in France (2026)<\/h2>\n