Managing the Removal

Moving within the UK can be a stressful experience. Taking your property to France can be doubly so. A DIY removal is not recommended. Larger UK companies have a great deal of experience of the process. Although employing this expertise can be pricey, it is nevertheless recommended.

Import Regulations

Household goods and personal effects can normally be imported into France duty free. Nevertheless there are a number of regulations, the breach of any of which can create considerable delay.

• Firearms may not be imported unless a special application has been processed. Details are available from consulates.
• A full inventory of goods (three copies) should be presented to officers when the first goods are taken to France . Property can then be imported in 'lots' but there is a time limitation (before import tax is imposed) of 12 months.
• Goods should correspond to the financial status of the owner. Customs will be suspicious of someone with a modest declared income importing a valuable collection of antiques. It is prudent to provide some form of proof of purchase for items of exceptional value.
• You will require a change of residence certificate from the mairie of the district you are moving to.
• A declaration of non-cession (non-transfer) is required. This is a statement that your household goods come within the duty free regulations.
• If your French property is to be used essentially as a holiday home or secondary residence additional rules apply.

It is these last rules that most frequently cause difficulty. Basically they state that all goods must have been owned and used by the importer for three months before the removal date and that they should be appropriate for usage in a secondary residence. The French would naturally prefer you to buy your goods in their country and they have been known to discourage imports. As most furniture and electrical goods are cheaper in the UK there is a natural temptation to take in as much as you can.

The best way to avoid problems is make purchases four to six months before export and keep their receipts. Electrical goods, especially if presented to customs in original packing, are most likely to provoke comment.