Import a Car to France with Crypto | Bitmalo

France has long been a destination for collectors and enthusiasts keen to source unique cars from abroad. Yet, the country’s import process is defined by stringent emissions rules, safety conformity checks, and the well-known “malus écologique” tax that penalises high CO₂ vehicles. At Bitmalo, we provide a streamlined path: you choose the car, pay securely in crypto or bank transfer, and we take ownership of the complex logistics—inspection, export, customs (DGDDI/Delta), and delivery to your door anywhere in France.

What Makes France Different?

Unlike many markets, France allows both LHD and RHD vehicles to be registered, but certain adaptations are mandatory. Headlights must be adjusted for right-hand traffic, rear fog lights are compulsory, and the speedometer must display km/h. Vehicles with existing EU Type Approval can often register with minimal fuss through a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Cars without EU approval require a more detailed Réception à Titre Isolé (RTI) through DREAL/UTAC, which adds time but is entirely manageable when paperwork is prepared in advance.

Customs clearance in France is centralised through DGDDI (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects) using the DELTA system. Once customs duties and import VAT are settled, cars move on to inspection and registration. Bitmalo ensures your vehicle arrives with the correct documents—bill of sale, export title, proof of conformity—so the clearance process is smooth.

The Import Journey

1. Select and inspect: Browse Cars, shortlist your vehicle, and request an inspection. We confirm VIN, emissions data, and equipment, and prepare a France-ready inspection report.
2. Purchase: Pay 100% upfront via USDT/BTC/ETH or bank transfer (USD). We act as buyer of record and secure export clearance.
3. Transport: Your car ships by sea (via Le Havre or Marseille/Fos) or by air (typically Paris CDG). We quote both so you can weigh cost versus timing.
4. Customs & delivery: We settle duties and VAT through our broker, reinvoice transparently, and deliver your vehicle anywhere in France with all-risk insurance.

Taxes, Duties, and Registration Costs

When importing to France, you should prepare for:

• Customs duty – generally 10% of the vehicle’s customs value.
• Import VAT – standard 20% applied to customs value + duty.
• Registration fees (carte grise) – based on horsepower, age, and region.
• Malus écologique – a CO₂ emissions penalty that can significantly increase costs for high-performance vehicles.
• ZFE/Crit’Air compliance – certain cities restrict older, high-emissions cars from low-emission zones.

We factor these into your quote so you know what to expect before shipping.

Shipping Choices

Air freight via CDG is ideal for time-sensitive imports, usually 3–7 days door-to-door once uplifted. Ocean freight offers the best economics, with transit times of 3–6 weeks depending on route and terminal schedules. Regardless of method, Bitmalo includes door-to-door all-risk coverage and manages all DO/THC and bonded handling.

Why Import with Bitmalo?

• Crypto or fiat settlement — clear invoices with TXIDs for reconciliation.
• Expert compliance prep — CoC and RTI guidance, emissions documentation, and French-language paperwork.
• One counterpart — we manage DGDDI customs, VAT settlement, and arrival charges through our broker.
• Countrywide delivery — Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse, Nice, and beyond.

FAQ

Can I register a right-hand-drive car in France?
Yes, with adaptations: headlamp adjustment, fog light, km/h speedometer, and rear reflectors.

What is the malus écologique?
A CO₂-based registration tax. High-performance cars often incur significant penalties, which we calculate for your VIN before purchase.

Do you provide Crit’Air/ZFE guidance?
Yes—we include emissions classification to confirm whether your car will face restrictions in low-emission zones.

Final Word

France has one of Europe’s most detail-oriented import systems, but with preparation, it’s entirely manageable. Bitmalo ensures that every step—inspection, paperwork, customs, and registration—is aligned with French requirements, giving you peace of mind and a car that’s ready for the road.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and not tax or legal advice. Bitmalo confirms exact costs, conformity steps, and timing for your VIN and registration city.