Importing a car from Japan into France can seem complicated. But with the right knowledge, it becomes a smooth and rewarding process. France has its own set of rules and requirements. From customs clearance to technical inspections, you must follow certain steps to stay legal. This blog explains everything you need to know about importing Japanese vehicles into France in 2025. Whether you’re buying a classic JDM sports car or a reliable Kei truck, this is your go-to guide.
Why Import a Car from Japan?
Japan is famous for its high-quality used cars.
Low mileage vehicles
Rare JDM models unavailable in Europe
Lower prices compared to French dealers
Well-documented maintenance
Unique styling and collector appeal Importing lets you access vehicles not sold in France—and often in better condition.
Can I Legally Import a Japanese Car into France?
Yes, you can. But there are rules. To import a car into France in 2025, it must meet several requirements:
Customs declaration and tax payment
Certificate of Conformity or approval process
Technical inspection (Contrôle Technique)
Registration with French authorities It’s all about proving the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and within environmental guidelines.
What Types of Japanese Cars Can Be Imported into France?
Most types are allowed, including:
JDM sports cars
Kei cars
Diesel vans
Hybrid models However, you must check for conformity with French and EU regulations. Cars over 30 years old may qualify for classic vehicle status.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Car from Japan to France
Here’s a complete process:
Find your vehicle on a trusted auction platform like www.uss-ninja.com
Buy and pay for the car and international shipping
Receive the vehicle at a French port (e.g., Le Havre or Marseille)
Submit customs documentation and pay duties
Obtain a quitus fiscal from the tax office
Pass technical inspection (Contrôle Technique)
Apply for French registration (Carte Grise)
Receive license plates and drive legally Each step matters. Missing one can delay or block registration.
What Documents Do I Need to Import a Car into France?
You’ll need:
Original Japanese Export Certificate
Bill of Lading from the shipper
Commercial invoice or purchase contract
Customs declaration (DAU)
Quitus Fiscal (tax clearance from French authorities)
Certificate of Conformity or RTI approval
Proof of residence in France
Valid ID Accurate paperwork is the key to fast registration.
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car into France?
Costs vary depending on vehicle type, age, and value. Here’s a breakdown:
Shipping: €900 to €2,000 depending on RoRo or container
Customs duties: 10% of vehicle value
VAT (TVA): 20% on total vehicle + shipping cost
RTI (Réception à Titre Isolé): €100 to €300
Contrôle Technique: €75 to €90
Registration fees: Depends on horsepower and region (can be €200–€800)
Carte Grise: Based on tax horsepower (CV) and emissions Overall, expect €3,000 to €6,000 in fees, excluding the vehicle itself.
What Is the Quitus Fiscal?
The quitus fiscal is a tax document from your local French tax office. It confirms the vehicle is cleared for VAT purposes.
Must be obtained before registration
Needed for both used and new vehicles
Requires proof of purchase and shipping invoice No quitus fiscal = no Carte Grise.
What Is RTI Approval?
If your car doesn’t have a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), you’ll need an RTI.
Réception à Titre Isolé is a one-off approval process
Conducted by DREAL or DRIEE regional offices
Involves inspection and documentation
Ensures the car meets French technical and safety standards Most JDM cars need RTI since they weren’t sold in Europe.
Can I Import a Kei Car into France?
Yes, but with limitations. Kei cars are small, lightweight vehicles under 660cc. Pros:
Cheap to buy and ship
Low fuel consumption
Unique style Cons:
Often lack COC
May fail RTI due to size or lighting differences
Can be restricted in some city centers due to emissions Kei cars are ideal for enthusiasts and short-range driving.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Timeline varies, but here’s a rough estimate:
Purchase and shipping: 4 to 6 weeks
Customs clearance: 1 week
Quitus Fiscal: 1 to 2 weeks
RTI approval: 3 to 8 weeks
Carte Grise issuance: 1 to 2 weeks Plan for a total of 2 to 4 months from purchase to registration.
Which Ports Are Best for Importing into France?
Top ports for Japanese car import include:
Le Havre (most common) Only from Japan currently
Marseille (southern France)
Dunkirk (northern France) Choose based on your location and shipping cost.
Community Voices: Real Importer Experiences
🗣️ “I brought in a 1993 Land Cruiser through Le Havre. It passed RTI on the first try and is now my daily driver.” 🗣️ “RTI was stressful, but worth it. I imported a 1995 Honda Integra and the condition was perfect.” 🗣️ “My exporter sent me every document I needed. The customs office said it was the most organized import they’d seen.” Auto Trader Imports 🗣️ “Kei cars are a joy to drive in French villages. Just be patient with the paperwork.”
Can I Import a Car Without Paying VAT?
Only under specific exemptions:
If you’re moving from Japan to France permanently
If the vehicle is a personal belonging over 6 months old
If the car is over 30 years old and qualifies as a classic Otherwise, expect to pay 20% VAT on the full import value.
What Cars Are Popular to Import from Japan into France?
In 2025, these models remain top choices:
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33)
Toyota Supra
Honda Civic Type R
Mazda RX-7
Toyota Hiace
Mitsubishi Delica
Suzuki Jimny
Subaru Forester Collectors and enthusiasts love these for performance and rarity.
How to Avoid Problems When Importing a Car into France
Ensure all paperwork is correct before the car arrives
Use a customs broker for declarations
Call your local prefecture or DREAL office in advance Planning prevents delays and expensive surprises.
Is it Better to Use RoRo or Container Shipping?
Both methods have pros and cons: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Cheaper
Car is driven on and off the ship
No parts or cargo inside Container
More expensive
More secure
Ideal for high-value or multiple vehicles Choose based on budget and car type.
Can I Register an Imported Car in Any Region?
Yes, but rules can vary slightly by region. Some prefectures are stricter with emissions and inspection. It’s smart to contact your local DREAL or DRIEE office early.
Will My Car Pass the French Contrôle Technique?
If it’s well-maintained and you’ve completed RTI, yes. Common issues that fail inspection:
Lighting not aligned to the right
Speedometer in miles only
Tire condition
Brake imbalance Most problems are fixable and flagged early in RTI.
Summary: How to Import a Car from Japan into France
Choose your vehicle wisely—older than 30 years for classics, or ready for RTI
Complete customs, fiscal clearance, and inspection
Don’t skip the paperwork
Enjoy your unique car on French roads
Quick Checklist for Importing from Japan to France
✅ Vehicle invoice and export documents ✅ Shipping and customs fees paid ✅ Quitus Fiscal secured ✅ RTI or Certificate of Conformity ✅ Passed Contrôle Technique ✅ Carte Grise (registration) completed ✅ French insurance arranged ✅ Local driving rules understood
FAQ: Importing Cars from Japan into France
Q: Can I import a car newer than 5 years old? Yes, but it must pass RTI and meet EU emissions standards.
Q: Do I need a Certificate of Conformity? Yes—unless the vehicle is over 30 years old or goes through RTI.
Q: Can I drive with Japanese plates while I wait? No. You need a temporary registration or French plates before road use.
Q: Is it cheaper to import than buy locally? Often yes, especially for rare or collector vehicles.
Q: How do I pay customs duties? Through the French customs portal or via a licensed broker.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in the process? Getting through RTI if the car lacks conformity documents.
Q: Can I use USS Ninja to find my vehicle? Yes. www.ussninja.com gives you full auction access and export support.
Q: What happens if I miss a document? Your registration will be delayed or denied. Always double-check paperwork.
Want to import your dream JDM car into France? Visit www.ussninja.com or www.uss-ninja.com today to access live auctions, find verified listings, and receive full support with shipping and legal registration. Skip the stress—import the smart way with experts who know the French system.
I am not one for writing articles actually so most of these articles come from contributors that I have met over the years or with a little help of supporters.
If you have any desire to import a car from Japan or simply need some advice get in touch via Whatsapp here at +81-90-5400-6384
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