How to Clear French Customs When Moving from the UK

French Customs Guide for UK Movers

Moving to France from the UK now involves a level of customs preparation that simply didn’t exist before Brexit. This guide explains exactly what you need to do, what documents you must provide, what French authorities will check, how the inventory should be completed, and how Central Moves ensures your household goods cross the border without delays or unexpected charges.

This guide has been written by international move managers with decades of experience handling UK–France removals. It provides first-hand operational insight into how customs procedures work in practice — not just in theory.

Table of Contents

1. Overview: Why UK–France Customs Rules Changed
2. Customs Requirements Explained (Simple Breakdown)
3. Required Documents for UK Movers (Duty-Free Import Conditions)
4. How to Prepare Your Inventory Correctly (Critical for Approval)
5. Restricted, Prohibited & Sensitive Items
6. Declaring Values: What French Customs Want
7. Completing Cerfa Form 10070*01
8. Showing Evidence of Residence Change
9. Moving Vehicles to France (Registration & Customs Rules)
10. Moving Plants, Food & Organic Goods
11. Step-by-Step Timeline: Customs Clearance Process
12. What French Customs Actually Do at the Border
13. Common Mistakes (and How Central Moves Prevents Them)
14. FAQ: French Customs for UK Movers

1. Overview: Why UK–France Customs Rules Changed

Since 1 January 2021, the UK has been treated as a “third country” by EU customs. This means that personal belongings transported during a household move must legally undergo:

Customs declarations
Inventory checks
Verification of ownership
Proof of relocation

Before Brexit, moving to France was a simple door-to-door operation. Today, customs require proof that your household goods are:

Used (not new purchases)
Owned for more than six months
Not intended for resale
Genuinely linked to a change of residence

If these conditions are met, you qualify for duty-free and VAT-free entry when moving to France. Central Moves handles this process daily and will guide you through every step to ensure your shipment clears without delays.

If they are not met, French customs may apply import VAT (20%) or refuse entry — which is why preparation is critical.

2. Customs Requirements Explained (Simple Breakdown)

French customs follow a structured, rule-based system for granting duty-free entry to personal household goods. While the principles remain consistent, the interpretation and documentation checks can vary between customs offices, which is why it is essential to prepare your paperwork correctly.

At its core, the system asks three key questions:

Are these your personal belongings?
Have you used them for at least six months?
Are you genuinely relocating your primary residence to France?

If the answer to all three is “yes”, your goods can be imported under the franchise de droits et taxes (exemption from duties and taxes). If any element is missing, customs may impose VAT or reject the declaration.

Who Checks Your Documents?

For road removals from the UK, your paperwork is typically reviewed by:

French customs at the point where your goods formally enter the EU customs zone (often Calais, Dunkirk, Caen or Eurotunnel)
The French regional customs office assigned to your intended place of residence

Central Moves manages this flow, liaises with customs agents and ensures that your goods are correctly declared under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption pathway.

3. Required Documents for UK Movers (Duty-Free Import Conditions)

To qualify for duty-free import of your belongings when moving to France, you must provide a set of documents proving residence change and ownership of goods. Below is the complete list, with explanations on why each item matters.

You Will Need:

Passport copy
Used to confirm your identity and nationality for customs registration.
French proof of residence
Accepted documents include a rental contract, property deed, utilities setup letter, or attestation from your mairie. This demonstrates that you intend to reside in France, not just store belongings temporarily.
Inventory list in English
A complete, itemised list of your belongings, written clearly and logically. Central Moves prepares this inventory during packing.
Inventory list in French
French customs require a translated version. Central Moves assists with this translation.
Certificate of non-resale
A signed statement confirming that your goods are used personal possessions and will not be resold after import.
Change of residence certificate (from French consulate, if applicable)
Not always required, but extremely helpful as an official confirmation of relocation.
Employer transfer letter (for work relocations)
Confirms the professional reason for the move. Not mandatory for retirees or private relocations.
Completed Cerfa No. 10070*01 form
The official French customs form declaring personal effects moved from a non-EU country.

How Central Moves Helps With This Stage

Because we complete the packing inventory ourselves and have handled these procedures daily since 2021, we ensure every detail aligns with France’s customs standards. Incorrect or incomplete paperwork is the number one cause of delays at the border — and our preparation prevents this.

Time-Sensitive Rule: Goods Must Arrive Within 12 Months of Your Move

French customs allow duty-free import only if your belongings arrive in France within twelve months of your documented relocation date. If you plan multiple shipments, inform your move manager so we can declare this correctly.

4. How to Prepare Your Inventory Correctly (Critical for Approval)

The inventory list is one of the most important documents in the entire customs process. It is the foundation of your declaration, used by customs to confirm:

that items are used, not new
that they belong to you
that quantities are reasonable for a household
that nothing prohibited is present

Customs officers rely heavily on this document to decide whether your belongings enter France duty-free. A weak, unclear or incomplete inventory can lead to delays or formal queries.

How Your Inventory Is Created

Unlike some removal firms, Central Moves does not ask customers to complete their own inventory. Instead, our trained crews prepare the inventory during packing, ensuring:

professional descriptions
accurate item counts
logical grouping of belongings
compliance with customs formatting

You will receive a full copy of the inventory for your own records and for customs purposes.

What a Strong Inventory Looks Like

Customs prefer clear, neutral descriptions such as:

“Kitchenware – used – assorted plates, pans and utensils (1 carton)”
“Clothing – used – adult (2 cartons)”
“Books – used – mixed titles (1 carton)”
“Dining table – used – oak – 1 item”

Avoid overly vague lines (e.g. “miscellaneous items”), and avoid overly detailed or brand-specific descriptions that imply resale value.

Value Declarations — Sensible & Accurate Only

French customs require estimated values for each carton or item category. These should reflect realistic second-hand values — not purchase prices. Over-valuing or under-valuing can both trigger questions.

French Translation

Customs require the inventory in both English and French. Central Moves arranges this translation for you as part of our standard service.

5. Restricted, Prohibited & Sensitive Items

French customs apply strict rules on certain categories of goods entering the EU. Even when moving home, some belongings require advance notification, additional permits, or may be refused entry entirely. Understanding these restrictions early prevents delays, fines or forced disposal of items at the border.

5.1 Prohibited Items (Not Allowed Under Any Circumstances)

Illegal drugs or substances
Counterfeit goods (branded items suspected of being fake)
Offensive weapons (including certain knives)
Organic soil or untreated plant materials posing biosecurity risks
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries

If any prohibited item is found during a customs inspection, officers can seize the complete shipment or escalate the review to a full declaration audit.

5.2 Restricted Items (Allowed With Documentation)

Some items can be transported as part of your household goods but must be declared correctly:

Alcohol — limited quantities; must be declared
High-value antiques or artwork — may require valuation certificates
Firearms and ammunition — require strict licensing and advance notice
Medicines — personal use only; prescription recommended
Foodstuffs — non-animal products generally acceptable; packaged, sealed items preferred

Central Moves advises customers on each restricted item category before packing, ensuring compliance and avoiding delays.

5.3 Sensitive Items (Often Questioned by Customs)

These items may not be prohibited, but they frequently prompt customs queries, especially if quantities appear excessive:

Large volumes of brand-new clothing
Multiple unopened electronics
Trade tools or equipment suggesting business use
Duplicate items (e.g. four televisions, five vacuum cleaners)

If customs believe items could be resold commercially, they may remove your eligibility for duty-free import. Central Moves provides guidance on how to present and declare such items appropriately.

6. Declaring Values: What French Customs Expect

Your inventory must list approximate second-hand values for each carton or item category. Customs officers use this information to assess:

whether values align with normal household goods
whether any item may indicate resale intent
whether VAT should be applied to new purchases

6.1 Use Realistic Second-Hand Values

For example, a sofa originally bought for £1,200 may reasonably be valued at £150–£300 depending on age and condition. Customs do not expect exact precision, but they do expect:

consistency
sensible depreciation
no inflated figures

6.2 Avoid Red Flags

Customs may request evidence if values appear unusual, such as:

£5,000 declared for a rug of unknown origin
£20 declared for a nearly new designer handbag

Central Moves helps ensure your valuations are balanced, accurate and compliant.

7. Completing Cerfa Form 10070*01 (Official Customs Declaration)

The Cerfa 10070*01 form is the official French customs document for importing personal belongings from a non-EU country. It confirms:

your identity
your French address
the nature of your goods
your eligibility for duty-free import

Below is a breakdown of each key section, explained in plain and accurate terms.

7.1 Section-by-Section Breakdown

1. Identity Details

Your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number. French customs use this to match your identity with the shipment.

2. Old Address (UK)

Provide your previous UK address, establishing the origin location of your goods.

3. New Address (France)

Your intended French residence, whether temporary or permanent. Even a rental agreement or attestation d’hébergement is acceptable.

4. Reason for Transfer

Options include:

Change of residence
Professional relocation
Family reunification
Retirement

This confirms that your move is genuine and not a commercial import.

5. List of Goods (Inventory Reference)

This section references the accompanying English and French inventory lists prepared by Central Moves.

6. Declaration & Signature

You sign to confirm that all information is accurate and that goods are for personal use only.

7.2 Submission & Processing

Central Moves assists with submitting the Cerfa form and supporting documents to the correct customs office. We also liaise with French customs on your behalf if additional clarification is required.

Incorrect completion of Cerfa 10070*01 is one of the most common causes of clearance delays — which is why our guidance is essential.

8. Showing Evidence of Residence Change

To qualify for duty-free import under the Transfer of Residence rules, French customs must see credible proof that you are actually relocating your main residence. The following documents can be used:

Accepted Proofs of Relocation

French rental contract (bail de location)
Property purchase deed (acte de vente)
Attestation de domicile from the mairie
Employment contract or employer relocation letter
School enrolment documents for children
Utility activation letters (EDF, water, internet)

If You Do Not Yet Have a French Address

Many movers are still finalising housing arrangements when their removal takes place. In these cases, customs will usually accept:

a temporary accommodation booking
a notarised declaration from a host
a letter explaining intended address (supported by other documents)

Your move manager will advise which option is most appropriate based on your circumstances.

The stronger your proof of relocation, the smoother your customs clearance will be.

9. Moving Vehicles to France (Registration & Customs Rules)

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle into France as part of your household move is possible, but there are clear customs and registration procedures you must follow. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines or an order to remove the vehicle from French territory.

9.1 Customs Requirements for Vehicles

A vehicle may be imported duty-free if it meets the same conditions as your household goods:

It is your personal vehicle
You have owned it for more than six months
It is not intended for resale
It accompanies your Transfer of Residence

You must list the vehicle on your inventory with:

Make, model and year
Chassis (VIN) number
Approximate current value

Central Moves can transport your car or motorbike on our specialist vehicle carriers and advise you on the customs implications.

9.2 After Customs Clearance: Registering the Vehicle in France

Once your vehicle is in France, you must register it with your local prefecture within six months. You will usually need:

Customs clearance certificate (quitus fiscal)
Proof of address
Insurance documentation
Vehicle conformity certificate

UK MOT, road tax and insurance remain legally required until French registration is completed.

10. Moving Plants, Food & Organic Goods

Plants, seeds, soil and organic materials are tightly regulated under EU biosecurity laws. Many UK movers do not realise these rules until late in the process, which is why we provide early guidance.

10.1 Plants & Soil

Most household plants cannot be moved freely from the UK to France due to:

Restrictions on soil
Phytosanitary certificate requirements
Biosecurity controls at EU borders

Some species may qualify for movement with proper certification. We recommend reading our full plant-specific guide:
Moving Plants to France in 2025.

10.2 Food Items

No meat or dairy products from the UK may be imported (EU law)
Bread, dry goods, herbs and spices are usually fine
Alcohol must remain within personal limits and be declared

11. Step-by-Step Timeline: Customs Clearance Process

The full customs sequence typically follows the structure below. This timeline reflects how Central Moves handles UK→France removals in practice.

11.1 Before Collection

Move manager reviews your documents
Inventory preparation plan created
Initial customs questions addressed

11.2 Packing & Inventory Creation

Our crew packs and protects your belongings
A detailed, customs-compliant inventory is created
Inventory is translated into French

11.3 Pre-Border Documentation Submission

Cerfa 10070*01 completed
Proof of residence uploaded
Certificates (non-resale, employer letter etc.) added

11.4 Arrival at French Customs (Calais / Dunkirk / Caen / Eurotunnel)

Driver submits manifest and documentation
Customs authority reviews inventory
Goods may be inspected or X-rayed

11.5 Customs Clearance Granted

Vehicle is released for delivery
Your move manager updates you with the confirmed schedule

11.6 Delivery in France

Items unloaded room-to-room
Inventory cross-checked
Unpacking and removal of packing materials (if selected)

This process usually runs smoothly when documentation is complete and accurate — which is why Central Moves handles the preparation on your behalf.

12. What French Customs Actually Do at the Border

There is a common misconception that customs will open every box. In practice, the procedure is more targeted and risk-based.

12.1 Documentary Review

Customs officers first examine:

Cerfa 10070*01
English and French inventories
Proof of residence
Certificates (non-resale, transfer, employer letter)

If documents are complete and consistent, clearance is usually straightforward.

12.2 Physical Inspection (If Required)

Customs may open:

a random box
a category that looks unusual (e.g., electronics, alcohol, tools)
items declared as high value

Inspections are routine and generally brief.

12.3 X-Ray Scan

Some shipments are scanned rather than opened. This is faster and allows customs to confirm goods visually.

13. Common Mistakes (and How Central Moves Prevents Them)

Over the past several years, since post-Brexit rules came into force, certain patterns have emerged. The majority of delays or customs complications come from avoidable errors made before collection.

13.1 Poor or Incomplete Inventories

Self-prepared inventories are the number one cause of customs rejections. Central Moves prevents this by preparing the inventory professionally.

13.2 Missing Proof of Residence

Even a simple rental contract not yet signed can cause delays. Your move manager helps you secure acceptable documentation.

13.3 Declaring Items as “New” or Leaving Labels On

New, unopened goods may be subject to VAT. We advise removing packaging if appropriate and offering proof of prior ownership where needed.

13.4 Over- or Under-Valuing Items

Customs will query unrealistic values. We help ensure your valuations are sensible and compliant.

13.5 Adding Prohibited or Sensitive Items

Soil, plants, chemicals or food items often cause issues. We advise strictly what may and may not be included.

13.6 Multiple Shipments Without Declaring Them

If your goods arrive in France over several deliveries, this must be declared. We manage staggered shipments correctly to maintain duty-free status.

14. Frequently Asked Questions About French Customs

Do I have to pay customs duty when moving household goods to France?

Not if you meet the Transfer of Residence conditions. Household goods can enter France tax-free if they are used, owned for more than six months, and moved as part of a genuine relocation. Central Moves ensures your documents prove this clearly.

Will French customs inspect my belongings?

They may inspect a sample of boxes or scan the vehicle. Most inspections are light and routine, especially when documentation is complete and professionally prepared.

Do I need to translate my inventory into French?

Yes. French customs require a French-language inventory. Central Moves handles this translation for you.

Can I bring new items purchased shortly before the move?

New items may be subject to VAT. If you bought furniture or electronics within the last six months, declare them honestly and provide receipts where possible.

Can I move plants to France?

Most plants are restricted due to soil and biosecurity rules. You may require phytosanitary certification. See our full guide:
Moving Plants to France in 2025.

Can I move my car to France as part of my household goods?

Yes, if you have owned it for more than six months and it is not for resale. You must register it with your prefecture within six months of arrival.

What happens if my paperwork is incomplete?

Customs may delay, question, or temporarily hold your shipment. This is why Central Moves manages your documents and checks them before border submission.

Related Guides for Moving to France

Need Support with French Customs? Speak to Our Experts

French customs procedures can feel complex, especially since Brexit. With Central Moves, you have a specialist team preparing your inventory, completing your paperwork, and guiding you through every step of the process.

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