How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Germany to France?

Living in Europe sometimes requires you to be mobile. With many small countries bordering on each other, moving between countries is as easy as moving from state to state in the US. But each country still has its own rules for trade and export-import. That's why, importing a car from one European country to another still demands attention to detail.

Importing a car from Germany to France can be straightforward as both countries are members of the European Union. As such, there are no import duties between EU countries. Still, the overall cost of importing a car from Germany to France may vary based on several factors.

Learn what those factors are until we arrive at the estimated cost of importing a car from Germany to France.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Car Import from Germany to France

When importing a car from Germany to France, the costs will definitely vary. The factors are many, although the main costs include shipping, registration, and mandatory checks. Shipping methods will also determine the final cost. Options include road transit or container shipment.

But it's good that both countries are part of the European Union. This common membership simplifies many processes, eliminating the need for import duties. These duties, typically associated with bringing a vehicle from a non-EU country, don't exist between Germany and France.

Thanks to the agreements within the EU that allow free movement of goods (including cars) between member states, importers benefit from not having additional tariffs imposed. As long as the vehicle follows EU regulations, the importer is safe.

But additional fees may apply when the car arrives in France. The act of registration requires fees and also a certificate of conformity to prove the car meets European standards. Also, a German registration document is needed, as well as insurance from a French company and a sale agreement if the car is new or secondhand.

There may not be import taxes within the EU, but there are still insurance costs, shipping, registration, and additional taxes.

The complete cost factors are illustrated in the table below:

Despite the absence of import duties, there are still taxes and fees you must consider. For instance, while the union provides a tariff-free environment, Value Added Tax rates may differ. This affects the total cost of the import.

Additionally, the French authorities require a registration tax based on the vehicle's fiscal power and CO2 emissions. High-emission vehicles are often subject to a malus tax, a penalty that can increase the cost of a car based on environmental impact.

It's important for importers to check with both the German and French tax offices to confirm the applicable taxes and fees before proceeding.

Shipping Methods and Import Process

There are two main shipping methods frequently utilized to import a car from Germany to France. The first is road transit. The second is container shipping.

Road transit is a preferred option thanks to the proximity of Germany and France. The method allows for a more cost-effective and rapid transfer. A person can drive the car directly from Germany to France, Or the car can be transported via car carrier, which is particularly convenient within the European Union's integrated infrastructure.

Another option is container shipping. This choice is less common and also less popular. With the short distance between Germany and France, the high cost of container shipping may not offset the car's value. But if the car is a classic model or needs extra protection, this method is certainly available.

For straightforward imports like moving a car from Germany to France, most people and dealers usually go for road transit.

Estimating the Cost of a Car Import from Germany to France

The biggest cost component of a car import from Germany to France is the shipment method. Using an open transport carrier, the price ranges from €500 to €1,000.

Things to note when you're using a transport carrier:

• The distance between the origin in Germany and the destination in France will affect the shipping cost. Longer distances will cost more.
• The route chosen by the transport company can also influence the price. More direct routes might be more expensive than routes with several stops.
• The car's size and weight matter. Larger and heavier cars cost slightly more to transport because they occupy additional space.

A cost projection of a car import from Germany to France may look like this (if the car is worth €10,000):

• Open Transport Cost: €800 (the median based on the provided range)
• Customs Duty: €10,000 (car value) x 10% = €1,000
• VAT: (€10,000 + €1,000) x 20% = €2,200

Total Estimated Cost: €10,000 (car) + €800 (transport) + €1,000 (duty) + €2,200 (VAT) = €14,000

You can cut this cost if you drive the car yourself, which is another popular option for people living in Europe. What you'll have to worry about is only the fuel price and paying for export plates.

Assuming a car is worth €10,000, the cost projection for driving an import car yourself from Germany to France may look like this:

• Fuel: €200
• Temporary Export Plates (Germany): Estimated at €50 (costs can vary).
• Customs Duty: €10,000 (car value) x 10% = €1,000
• VAT: (€10,000 + €1,000) x 20% = €2,200

Total Estimated Cost: €10,000 (car) + €200 (fuel) + €50 (export plates) + €1,000 (duty) + €2,200 (VAT) = €13,450

To find an accurate cost, contact several shipping companies. Just as we do it in the US, the best way to get a precise quote is the contact several reputable car shipping companies. They will provide estimates based on your specific car details. These details may also include origin and destination points and the chosen route.

Steps of the Car Import Process from Germany to France

On the whole, the steps of importing a car from Germany to France are pretty straightforward. The level of complexity is less than that found in a typical intercontinental shipment.

Typically, all a car owner must do is do the following:

1. Document the purchase with a proper sale agreement. This serves as proof of purchase and ownership transfer.
2. Prepare and get the vehicle registration documents from German authorities.
3. Secure an insurance policy from a recognized French insurance company before driving on French streets.
4. Consult with the German and French tax offices regarding VAT implications and registration taxes.
5. Have the car undergo a pre-import technical inspection if required.
6. Arrange for moving the vehicle from Germany to France. Choose road transit to save costs, either by open transport or driving it yourself.
7. Since both countries are within the EU, there is no customs process. But you might be required to present the vehicle's documentation.
8. Complete the French registration process. Submit the documentation, including the certificate of conformity, to the French authorities.
9. Once the registration is complete, get French license plates and have them affixed to the car.

For a worry-free experience, getting a reputable shipping company to help you can work to your advantage. They'll guide you through the steps and ensure you don't miss a thing during the import process. All paperwork will be complete and you can safely have your car arrive in France. The transition of your German-registered car to be established with a French registration and plate will be breezy.

Conclusion

Importing a car from Germany to France can cost up to 14,000 Euros with open transport on a car carrier. The cost will be less if you drive the car yourself. However, using an enclosed transport will raise the cost higher. Additional fees and taxes may apply when you register the car in France. However, since Germany and France both are members of the EU, there are no import duties. The process of importing a car from Germany to France is relatively straightforward.

A1 Auto Transport handles international shipping of cars to Europe, both to EU countries and non-EU destinations. Trust us to ship your car internationally until it arrives safely in its final destination. Get a free quote today.