Moving from the US to France: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

You lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and are moving your main home to France; you've used each thing for at least 6 months. Import within 12 months, in one shipment or several — the first inventory must list everything. Nothing for a second home. Don't sell, rent or lend for 12 months.

The papers customs wants

• Form Cerfa 10070
• A detailed inventory with estimated values, dated and signed, in two copies
• Proof your main home was abroad
• Proof of the move, such as your residence card
• Customs hands back a stamped inventory, plus certificate 846 A if you bring a car

Inspection and clearance

Not stated. French customs answers questions on +33 1 72 40 78 50 from abroad.

Don't pack these

• Alcohol and tobacco aren't covered
• Meat, milk and dairy
• Plants need a phytosanitary certificate
• Weapons without an authorization
• Medicines only for the length of the prescription, or 3 months
• Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared.

Bringing a car

Covered. Certificate 846 A from customs is what lets you register it. Vans and motorhomes are excluded.

Bringing a dog or cat

A 15-digit ISO microchip, put in on or before the rabies shot. Wait 21 days after a first rabies vaccine. No rabies blood test is needed coming from the US. Your vet fills in the EU health certificate (the new form in use since 1 October 2026), USDA endorses it — $101 per certificate, any number of pets — and the pet must arrive within 10 days. Five pets or fewer, traveling within 5 days of you.

No tapeworm treatment needed. Show the pet to customs on arrival — no appointment.

Category 1 attack-type dogs can't be imported; Category 2 dogs need pedigree papers. Bengal and Savannah cats need a permit unless pedigreed.

Duty and tax on everything else

Customs duty depends on what the item is — look it up by item in the EU tariff (TARIC). Import VAT is charged on top of duty.

VAT is 20%. Goods carried in your luggage up to €700 pay a flat 2.5% duty.