Everything our clients actually ask.

Shipping typically ranges from around €1,800–€3,500 for RoRo and €3,000–€5,000 for a private container, depending on vehicle size, port, and season. Air freight is far higher (€8,000+). These cover sea transport only — customs duty, VAT, and registration are separate. We give you a fixed all-in quote before you commit. Request your quote.

You'll need the original purchase invoice, the UAE export certificate, the original registration (Mulkiya), a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the bill of lading, and your French proof of identity and address. For customs you'll also need the 846A clearance certificate. We prepare and check this full file for you so nothing is missing at the border.

After the car arrives and clears customs, you obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), pass the French technical inspection (Contrôle Technique), get the 846A customs certificate, then apply for the Carte Grise via the ANTS portal. GCC-spec cars sometimes need minor adaptations such as a rear fog lamp. See our full step-by-step process or let us handle it end to end.

Yes. Importing from outside the EU normally means 10% customs duty plus 20% French VAT, calculated on the car's value plus shipping. Exemptions can apply if you're relocating to France permanently and have owned the car long enough. We help you calculate the exact landed cost upfront.

If you're transferring your main residence to France, you may qualify for a tax exemption (franchise) on VAT and duty — provided you owned and used the car for at least 6 months before moving and meet residency conditions. You apply via French customs with proof of relocation. We help you assemble the supporting file.

The 846A is the customs clearance certificate proving your imported car has cleared French customs and any duty/VAT is settled. It's mandatory to register the vehicle and obtain your Carte Grise. We obtain the 846A as part of our clearance service.

Sea freight from Dubai to French ports (typically Marseille or Le Havre) generally takes 18–30 days in transit, plus a few days each side for loading and clearance. Container and RoRo timings are similar; the main difference is protection, not speed.

France has no upper age limit for importing a car — older and classic vehicles are allowed. Very old cars may follow a slightly different registration route (e.g. collector status for vehicles over 30 years), but recent Dubai-spec cars register normally once compliance and customs are done.

For a luxury or high-value car, container shipping is the safer choice — the vehicle is sealed inside its own container, protected from weather, handling and exposure. RoRo is cheaper and fine for standard cars, but container gives maximum protection and tracking. For supercars we always recommend container.

The RTA export certificate is issued in Dubai once the car is deregistered for export; temporary export plates are fitted to move it to the port. This requires the original Mulkiya, passport copies and a clear vehicle status. We handle the RTA export process and plates for you as part of the service.

A European CoC is requested from the manufacturer or an approved body, certifying the car meets EU standards. If the GCC-spec model has no direct EU equivalent, an individual approval (réception à titre isolé, RTI) via DREAL may be needed instead. We advise which route your specific car needs.

Common GCC-to-France adaptations include adding a rear fog light, adjusting headlight beam pattern, and confirming the speedometer and tyres meet EU norms. Most Dubai cars need only minor changes. The car must then pass the Contrôle Technique before registration. We flag exactly what your vehicle needs.

Air freight for a luxury car from Dubai to Paris typically starts around €8,000–€15,000+, depending on the vehicle's size and weight. It's the fastest option (a few days) and the most protected, which is why it's chosen for rare and high-value cars. We arrange door-to-airport handling throughout.

At French customs you declare the vehicle, pay any duty and VAT (unless exempt), and receive the 846A certificate confirming clearance. You'll need the invoice, export and shipping documents, and proof of identity. We manage the clearance and paperwork so you don't deal with customs directly.

In short: choose and inspect the car, pay a secure deposit, we run the 120-point inspection, handle the RTA export and documents, ship by sea or air, clear French customs (846A), obtain the CoC and pass the Contrôle Technique, then register for the Carte Grise. See the full breakdown on our How It Works page.