Have you decided to import your American car to France? Congratulations on this unusual acquisition! However, before you can legally drive on French roads, several administrative steps await you. Registering a vehicle imported from the United States requires special attention due to the significant differences between American and European regulations. Don't panic! In this article, we'll guide you step by step through this sometimes complex but entirely feasible process with the right information.
Understanding the differences between American and European standards
Before you begin the process of registering a vehicle in France , it's important to understand that American vehicles meet different standards than those in the European Union. These differences include lighting systems, emissions, and certain safety features.
American cars are generally designed to drive on the right, with headlights oriented differently than those required in Europe. In addition, emissions standards (EPA in the US vs. Euro in Europe) can vary significantly. This is why homologation is a crucial step that will likely require technical modifications to your vehicle.
The National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS) and French Customs are the organizations that strictly supervise these procedures to ensure that all vehicles circulating on the territory comply with current safety and environmental standards.
The key steps to registering your American car
Registering a car from the United States follows a precise process that we can break down into several essential phases:
1. Customs clearance and taxes
The first essential step is customs clearance. Your vehicle must be declared to customs, which will determine the applicable import taxes . These taxes generally include:
- Customs duties (variable depending on the age and type of vehicle)
- VAT (20% of the vehicle value including transport costs)
- The ecological penalty (dependent on CO2 emissions)
Once these taxes have been paid, you will obtain a customs clearance certificate (846A), an essential document for the rest of the process.
2. Obtaining the certificate of conformity
The next step, and probably the most technical, is to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity . For American vehicles, this document is not issued automatically because these vehicles are not designed according to European standards.
You have two options:
- Call on a specialized service such as Service Homologation which will guide you in obtaining this crucial document.
- Go through an individual reception (RTI) with the mining department (DREAL), which will probably require technical modifications to your vehicle.
The CNIT (National Type Identification Code) number will also be required to precisely identify your vehicle in the French system.
3. The application for a registration certificate
Once your vehicle complies with European standards and has its certificate, you can finally proceed with the actual registration application . This process is now completed online on the ANTS website with the following documents:
- The European certificate of conformity
- The customs clearance certificate (846A)
- The American title deed (state title)
- A valid ID document
- Proof of address
- Cerfa form no. 13750
The cost of the registration certificate varies depending on the vehicle's taxable horsepower and the registration department.
Special points of attention
Importing and registering an American vehicle involves a few specificities that you should be aware of:
The necessary technical modifications can be costly: headlights, indicators, taillights... Find out about these aspects beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Allow time for the process : the entire process can take several weeks or even months depending on the complexity of your file and the changes to be made.
Don't forget insurance : Some insurers may be reluctant to cover imported vehicles or charge higher premiums. Shop around before finalizing your import project.
Conclusion: an exciting project that requires preparation
Registering a car from America in France is an administrative adventure that requires patience and diligence, but it remains entirely doable. The key lies in proper preparation and knowledge of the steps involved.
If you feel overwhelmed by these steps, know that professionals like Service Homologation can guide you throughout the process and provide you with the necessary certificates of conformity to facilitate the homologation of your American vehicle.
With the right information and a little perseverance, you'll soon be able to legally enjoy your American car on French roads!
