{"id":996,"date":"2026-05-10T07:27:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T07:27:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flytorelocation.com\/fr\/france-customs-household-goods-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T20:15:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T20:15:27","slug":"france-customs-household-goods-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/flytorelocation.com\/fr\/france-customs-household-goods-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Customs for Household Goods from France 2026: EU + Third Countries"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Customs for Household Goods from France 2026: Removal Relief and Inventory Requirements<\/h1>\n
Flyto Relocation Team<\/strong>\u00b7<\/span>Updated May 10, 2026<\/span>\u00b7<\/span>\u2713 Expert team since 2018<\/span>\u00b7<\/span>~2 min read<\/span><\/div>\n
Also available in Fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/div>\n
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Quick answer:<\/strong> Within the EU\/EEA there are no customs formalities for household goods leaving France. For third countries (UK after Brexit, Switzerland, USA) you submit an export declaration to the Direction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale des douanes and claim removal relief in the destination country (typically items used at least 6 months). A valuated inventory list is mandatory outside the EU. Prohibited items include weapons, large alcohol stocks and protected species.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Key takeaways<\/h3>\n
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  • EU\/EEA<\/strong>: no customs.<\/li>\n
  • Third country<\/strong>: export declaration.<\/li>\n
  • Removal relief<\/strong> on goods used >6 months.<\/li>\n
  • Valuated inventory<\/strong> outside EU.<\/li>\n
  • Prohibited<\/strong>: weapons, protected species, large alcohol stocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \"Customs<\/figure>\n
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    Moving household goods out of France: customs essentials in 2026<\/h2>\n

    For moves within the EU, France treats household goods as freely circulating under Article 28 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union<\/em>. There are no customs duties or VAT, and the goods cross internal EU borders without formal inspection. However, you still need to keep an itemised inventory (liste de colisage<\/em>) for insurance purposes and in case of selective controls.<\/p>\n

    For moves outside the EU, the situation is reversed: every shipment must be customs-cleared at exit (French side) and at entry (destination side). The 2026 procedures are governed by the Code des Douanes<\/em> (Articles 285 ter to 290) and the EU Union Customs Code<\/em>. The export customs declaration is the Document Administratif Unique<\/em> (DAU) filed via the DELTA G electronic platform.<\/p>\n

    The transfer of residence regime<\/h2>\n

    For non-EU destinations, the destination’s transfer-of-residence regime is what determines customs treatment of your goods. Most countries grant duty-free importation under specific conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Destination<\/th>\nDuty-free import condition<\/th>\nDocuments required<\/th>\nTime limit to import after arrival<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    UK<\/td>\nToR1 (Transfer of Residence) approval<\/td>\nInventory in English, ID, residence proof<\/td>\n12 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Switzerland<\/td>\nForm 18.44 from Swiss customs<\/td>\nDetailed inventory in EN\/DE\/FR\/IT, residence permit<\/td>\n12 months, can extend<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    USA<\/td>\nForm 3299 ”Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles”<\/td>\nInventory in English, visa, lease\/property deed<\/td>\n10 years from first entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Canada<\/td>\nForm B4 + B4A (BSF186)<\/td>\nInventory, immigration document<\/td>\n1 year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    UAE<\/td>\nUAE customs declaration + residence visa<\/td>\nInventory in EN, valid Emirates ID<\/td>\n3 months from visa issuance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Australia<\/td>\nB534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement<\/td>\nInventory in English, biosecurity declaration<\/td>\n30 days for biosecurity inspection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    To qualify, the goods must be: yours and used for at least 6 months prior to import; not for sale or commercial use; transported within the time limit; and matching the inventory submitted at entry. Failure to comply triggers full duties + VAT + penalties (typically 20-50% of value).<\/p>\n

    The inventory: how to build it correctly<\/h2>\n

    The inventory is the most important document. Customs officers use it to: assess risk and decide on physical inspection, compute potential duties for items missing or extra, identify prohibited or restricted goods. A well-prepared inventory speeds clearance from days to hours.<\/p>\n

    Format:<\/strong> single-line items (one per row), description in French AND destination language, quantity, estimated used value (not new replacement value), serial numbers for electronics, year of acquisition. Group by box number with cross-reference labels. Total at the end with breakdowns by category (furniture, electronics, books, clothing, kitchenware, art, etc.).<\/p>\n

    Avoid:<\/strong> grouped descriptions like ”box of kitchen items” \u2014 replace with itemised list. Vague high-value items like ”jewellery, gold rings” \u2014 list with appraisal. Copyrighted media collections (CDs, DVDs, books) \u2014 separate by quantity and origin to avoid IP-related questions in some countries.<\/p>\n

    Mandatory declarations on the inventory:<\/strong> alcohol (allowance varies, often 1L spirits + 4L wine), tobacco (200 cigarettes typical), firearms (separate declarations and permits required in most destinations), pets (separate procedures, see specific guides), plants and seeds (biosecurity in Australia, USA, Canada), foodstuffs (varies; Switzerland allows household-quantity).<\/p>\n

    Restricted and prohibited items<\/h2>\n

    Wine and alcohol.<\/strong> France allows export of personal wine cellars without specific declaration; destination countries vary. UK: 18L wine + 4L spirits duty-free per adult. Switzerland: 5L wine + 1L spirits per adult. USA: 1L spirits + 4L wine duty-free; large cellars possible with import permit. UAE: 4L total alcohol per adult, must declare.<\/p>\n

    Cultural goods.<\/strong> Items over 50 years old or worth more than \u20ac50,000 may be subject to French export controls under the Code du Patrimoine<\/em> (Article L 111-1). Request an Autorisation de sortie<\/em> from the Ministry of Culture’s Service des Mus\u00e9es de France<\/em> 4-6 weeks before move. Includes art, antiques, books, archives, archaeological items.<\/p>\n

    Firearms.<\/strong> Each weapon requires the European Firearms Pass for EU destinations, plus destination-specific licences. France: declare to Service Central des Armes et Explosifs<\/em> (SCAE) 30 days before move. UK: police authorisation + Firearms Permit. USA: ATF Form 6 import permit. Failure to follow procedure = serious criminal offence.<\/p>\n

    Cash and jewellery.<\/strong> Movements of cash or equivalents over \u20ac10,000 within EU borders must be declared (Form CERFA 13426). Outside EU, varies: \u20ac10,000 also for the EU exit declaration, plus destination requirements (USA $10,000, UK \u00a310,000, Switzerland CHF 10,000).<\/p>\n

    Working with a moving company: documents and responsibilities<\/h2>\n

    Most international moving companies (members of FIDI<\/em>, OMNI<\/em>, IAM<\/em>) handle customs paperwork as part of the door-to-door service. Verify in the contract: who files the export declaration (DAU) at French exit; who files the import declaration at destination; whether duties and VAT are advanced and recovered from you on settlement; what happens if customs requests physical inspection (additional fees).<\/p>\n

    Required documents to provide to your mover at least 2 weeks before pickup: scanned passport (all pages), residence permit or visa for destination, lease agreement or property deed at destination, inventory in editable format (Excel or Word), prior employer letter or employment contract at destination, departure date stamps if available, completed transfer-of-residence form (ToR1, B4, 3299, 18.44 etc.).<\/p>\n

    Practical timeline for an international move<\/h2>\n

    Day -120:<\/strong> Choose moving company. Get 3-5 binding quotes (FIDI\/OMNI members preferred). Verify insurance coverage and customs services included.<\/p>\n

    Day -90:<\/strong> Apply for destination-specific transfer-of-residence approval (UK ToR1 takes 6-8 weeks; Switzerland Form 18.44 immediate; USA Form 3299 at entry). Begin inventory.<\/p>\n

    Day -60:<\/strong> Finalise inventory. Sort goods to keep \/ sell \/ donate. Schedule disposal of items you cannot move (paint, batteries, propane).<\/p>\n

    Day -30:<\/strong> Confirm pickup date. Provide all documents to mover. File French export declaration (mover usually does this). Cancel or modify French insurance to cover transit period.<\/p>\n

    Day 0 (pickup):<\/strong> Final inventory check at loading. Sign DAU declaration. Receive Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.<\/p>\n

    Day +X (arrival at destination):<\/strong> Customs clearance (usually 2-10 business days). Pay any unforeseen duties. Receive goods at new residence.<\/p>\n

    Day +60 (typical):<\/strong> Submit final paperwork to mover. Claim insurance for any damage. Confirm transfer of residence is closed in customs files (especially USA Form 3299 confirmation).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    FAQ<\/h3>\n
    \nInventory for an EU move?<\/summary>\n

    Not mandatory, but recommended for insurance and tracking.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nUK after Brexit?<\/summary>\n

    French export declaration plus ToR1 in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nCars as household goods?<\/summary>\n

    Vehicles need a separate export procedure.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nInventory language?<\/summary>\n

    French or English depending on destination.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWill the moving company handle customs?<\/summary>\n

    Yes \u2014 international movers include customs paperwork.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nDo I need a customs declaration for moves within the EU?<\/summary>\n

    No formal customs declaration is required for moves between EU member states \u2014 goods circulate freely under Article 28 TFEU. However, you should keep a detailed inventory and proof of ownership for at least 3 years after the move, both for insurance claims and for occasional spot-checks at internal borders (random LCB-FT controls).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nCan I include alcohol and wine in my household shipment to the UK?<\/summary>\n

    Yes, but with limits and declaration. Personal cellar exemption under UK ToR rules: up to 18L wine + 4L spirits per adult duty-free. Beyond that, full UK Excise Duty (currently \u00a32.85\/750ml wine bottle) and VAT (20%) apply. Always declare on your inventory; undeclared alcohol can trigger seizure of the full shipment.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nHow do I prove household goods have been used for 6 months before import?<\/summary>\n

    Most destinations accept self-declaration on the transfer-of-residence form. If challenged, supporting evidence includes: dated purchase invoices, photographs in your French home, French utility bills showing the residence period. Avoid recent purchases (less than 6 months before move) \u2014 these may be subject to full duties as new goods.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWhat happens if customs at destination opens my crates?<\/summary>\n

    If selective inspection occurs, the carrier is contacted and you (or a representative) may be required to attend. Inspection delays clearance by 3-15 days and incurs fees of \u20ac200-1,500 (charged by the freight forwarder). To minimise risk: a clear inventory, no prohibited items, accurate value declarations. The percentage of inspections typically ranges from 5% (low risk) to 20% (high-value or complex shipments).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

    Prepare the valuated inventory before packing \u2014 it doubles as your insurance manifest.<\/p>\n

    Flyto Relocation handles international moves with customs paperwork. Get a free quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    See also: All France moving guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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    Ready to ship your belongings abroad?<\/h3>\n

    We handle export customs and 20 European destinations<\/p>\n

    Get free quote \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n