Importing a UK Kit Car into France
Discussion
lowdrag said:
The first thing that comes to mind would be the MOT you need to send in with application for your care grise de collection. My replica is over 30 years old (with the necessary proof) but since it is 1988 the emissions controls for 1988 applied too. That needed a very sympathetic MOT man! Then of course you will need to exchange the original "Ferrari V5" for your new French line. I think your dream will probably remain just that - a dream!
You can also use a french CT My mistake - that is what I meant. But my point is that he will have to show the UK V5 for a Ferrari Dino and the date of manufacture, which will necessarily be over 30 years ago. and if the V5 shows a Dogsbody Snark (My Lynx, like most cars of its age, showed the donor car, a LHD 2+2 E-type) then I had to prove just when the car was transformed from that to a short nose D-type. Self-builds can never qualify because you need proof of who built and the bills for the build, all being over 30 years old. Unless someone has found a newer way, it is getting very tough to register replicas in Europe, let alone France. I hope someone can reply that it can now be done, but I fear I may be waiting some time.
Our experience is similar to Lowdrag's comments.
We have just imported a Nissan Figaro, obviously not a kit car, but one with no certificate of conformity. We had to wait until more than 30 years after its build date (it was one of the later ones). Then the application via the FFVE (which needs a CT) and then via our insurance company to get the initial immatriculation. All told it has taken nearly a year but we have now been promised the CG before year end (probably!).
So for us the key points were all documentation stated Nissan Figaro, it was over 30 years old and the FFVE approved it.
I've been looking at Westfield XI and the French distributor does advertise the kits. The process is however a little more fraught as an MG midget on the documentation is not a good start. I'll be in touch with the dealer in the New Year to see what he reckons.
We have just imported a Nissan Figaro, obviously not a kit car, but one with no certificate of conformity. We had to wait until more than 30 years after its build date (it was one of the later ones). Then the application via the FFVE (which needs a CT) and then via our insurance company to get the initial immatriculation. All told it has taken nearly a year but we have now been promised the CG before year end (probably!).
So for us the key points were all documentation stated Nissan Figaro, it was over 30 years old and the FFVE approved it.
I've been looking at Westfield XI and the French distributor does advertise the kits. The process is however a little more fraught as an MG midget on the documentation is not a good start. I'll be in touch with the dealer in the New Year to see what he reckons.
It is quite often I come across a replica on French plates, but most of those got registered some years ago before all the rules and regulations got tightened up. My butcher has a Pilgrim Cobra with the Carte Grise de Collection, but he got it French registered some years ago. His friend, with a similar car, asked for my help and I even went to see Pilgrim while in the UK. They told me that they had been visited by the French authorities and that there was no chance of a Pilgrim getting through the process these days. The result was I told the chap to send the car back to the UK and sell it. There are a few specialists who say they might be able to get a car through, but I frankly don't see how they can these days.
You have to admire the above, knowing what we do, not just a great looking car that particular P4 but the nightmare he’d have had needs respect!
Probably re-registered about 30 cars myself, 20 bikes, biggest accolade? managed to get a TVR through on a c.o.c of all things (all pre brexit and the ants system)
Hardest hotel impot & prefecture was Nice, 2-3 hour waits each time, no i wouldnt use the postal system that existed, again, we all know why
I happily go to other eu countries now to buy vs france, really interesting seeing how different marques demand different prices in each of the countires, 1 x example is maserati in germany, always good quality cars there anyway but their prices there for this particular marque are cheaper than anywhere else, apart from belgium but they’re cheaper for a reason.
Probably re-registered about 30 cars myself, 20 bikes, biggest accolade? managed to get a TVR through on a c.o.c of all things (all pre brexit and the ants system)
Hardest hotel impot & prefecture was Nice, 2-3 hour waits each time, no i wouldnt use the postal system that existed, again, we all know why
I happily go to other eu countries now to buy vs france, really interesting seeing how different marques demand different prices in each of the countires, 1 x example is maserati in germany, always good quality cars there anyway but their prices there for this particular marque are cheaper than anywhere else, apart from belgium but they’re cheaper for a reason.
Interesting information.
Post Brexit the French import process has changed. You used to be able to go to the local tax office and get a quitus fiscal, now you need to deal with the customs people directly.
They insist on a considerable amount of documentation - the intent is to determine the amount of duty payable (including residence proofs). To demonstrate the vehicle is eligible for the collectors car relief rate of 5.5% TVA it has to be inspected and attested that it is in virtually standard specification. So significant changes - brace yourself for 20% TVA.
Any significant changes to engine, chassis, gearbox, braking, suspension, bodywork means it gets the full TVA rate!
For the attestation you need to locate a suitable French expert who is prepared to make the attestation. You should import the vehicle using the correct paperwork (CERFER 10070, which should be stamped by French customs on entry) and accompanying inventory sheet is required (also stamped by French customs).
It is typical French paperwork, but unfortunately virtually none of the various UK or UK government websites have caught up.
We are in the middle of this process - to add insult to injury importing a Citroen!
Post Brexit the French import process has changed. You used to be able to go to the local tax office and get a quitus fiscal, now you need to deal with the customs people directly.
They insist on a considerable amount of documentation - the intent is to determine the amount of duty payable (including residence proofs). To demonstrate the vehicle is eligible for the collectors car relief rate of 5.5% TVA it has to be inspected and attested that it is in virtually standard specification. So significant changes - brace yourself for 20% TVA.
Any significant changes to engine, chassis, gearbox, braking, suspension, bodywork means it gets the full TVA rate!
For the attestation you need to locate a suitable French expert who is prepared to make the attestation. You should import the vehicle using the correct paperwork (CERFER 10070, which should be stamped by French customs on entry) and accompanying inventory sheet is required (also stamped by French customs).
It is typical French paperwork, but unfortunately virtually none of the various UK or UK government websites have caught up.
We are in the middle of this process - to add insult to injury importing a Citroen!
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