Import Cars from China to France
France has become one of the more contested European markets for Chinese brands — MG and BYD already have real official sales momentum, and Chery has re-entered the European market with France among its priority markets. Importing directly from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage, with freight from $5,280 USD and 30–44 days transit to Le Havre, Marseille, or Dunkirk.
At DriveSino, we handle the entire export process from China to France — vehicle sourcing, multi-point inspection, export documentation, shipping, and EU homologation support.
Why Import from China to France?
- Price advantage: direct import from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage even against France's existing official Chinese-brand dealer networks
- Wide model range: MG, BYD, Chery, and Geely offer sedans, SUVs, and EVs beyond what's currently distributed officially in France
- Multiple port options: Le Havre, Marseille, and Dunkirk all offer established vehicle-handling infrastructure
- Left-hand drive standard: France drives on the right, matching the LHD configuration Chinese manufacturers produce as standard
- Wholesale options for dealers: DriveSino offers competitive bulk pricing for French dealers and fleets
Shipping from China to France
3 ports serving France
Freight from $5,280 USD
DriveSino ships vehicles from major Chinese export ports to France's main ports:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Le Havre | $5,280 | 30–42 days |
| Dunkirk | $5,280 | 30–42 days |
| Marseille | $5,528 | 32–44 days |
* Rates are estimates and vary by season and cargo type. Le Havre and Dunkirk suit Northern/Western France best; Marseille suits Southern France and is faster via the Suez route for some sailings.
Import Duties & Taxes for France
EU import duties and taxes apply to France. Current rates for vehicles from China:
- EU import duty: 10% of CIF value for passenger vehicles from China (standard MFN rate)
- Additional EV tariff: Chinese EVs may face additional tariffs under the EU's anti-subsidy investigation — currently up to 17-36% on top of the standard 10% duty
- VAT: 20% in France (TVA) on CIF value + import duty
- Total estimated taxes: approximately 30–51% depending on EV tariff status
- Note: France has also applied its own environmental bonus/malus system affecting new-vehicle purchase incentives — check current eligibility separately, as it's distinct from import duty
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
DriveSino provides all export-side documentation for shipping from China to France:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
EU import requirements include EU type approval (whole vehicle type approval or individual vehicle approval — "réception à titre isolé" in France), CE marking for certain components, and compliance with EU emission standards. DriveSino offers full EU homologation support for an additional fee.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on France-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about FranceUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to France
- Browse inventory: explore our selection of export-ready vehicles from China — all with real photos and inspection reports
- Request a quote: contact us via WhatsApp or email with your preferred vehicle and confirm delivery to France
- Confirm and pay: a sales contract is issued. Payment by international bank transfer
- Export documentation: we prepare all Chinese export documents
- Shipping: your vehicle ships to Le Havre, Dunkirk, or Marseille via RoRo or container
- Transit & tracking: 30–44 days sea transit. We provide Bill of Lading and regular tracking updates
- Customs clearance & homologation: we support your EU customs clearance and réception à titre isolé with full documentation
- Delivery: after clearance, arrange delivery anywhere in France
Tips for Importing to France
- Check current EU anti-subsidy tariff status for Chinese EVs before committing to an electric model
- France's bonus/malus environmental incentive system is separate from import duty — check current eligibility if relevant to your purchase
- Factor in total landed cost: vehicle price + shipping + insurance + duty + VAT + homologation
- Use the DriveSino cost calculator on each listing for an instant estimate
Related reading
EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs ExplainedImporting Cars from China to France — FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from China to France?
Sea transit from China to France takes 30–44 days depending on port (Le Havre, Dunkirk, or Marseille).
How much does it cost to import a car from China to France?
Total cost includes: vehicle price (FOB China), shipping freight from $5,280 USD, 10% EU import duty, possible additional EV tariff, and 20% French VAT. Use our cost calculator for an instant estimate.
Can I import Chinese cars to France even though MG, BYD and Chery already sell there officially?
Yes. Direct import from China's domestic market is a separate channel from France's official dealer networks, and can offer a further price advantage plus access to models and trims not yet distributed locally.
Do I need EU type approval to register a Chinese car in France?
Yes. The vehicle needs EU type approval or an individual approval (réception à titre isolé) to be registered. DriveSino offers homologation support for vehicles that don't already have it.
How do I pay for a car imported from China to France?
DriveSino accepts payment via international bank transfer (T/T). A formal sales contract is provided before any payment.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to France?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.