So, you’re all set to start a new chapter in France. The boxes are packed, the excitement is building, and the croissants are calling. But before your belongings cross the Channel, there’s one important hurdle to clear: customs paperwork.
Moving house within the UK is fairly straightforward, but once you’re heading to France, there’s a bit more admin involved — especially since Brexit. That said, it’s nothing to panic about. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key customs documents you’ll need for your France removal, explain why they matter, and help you avoid any delays at the border.
Why Customs Documents Matter
When you move your household goods from the UK to France, you’re essentially exporting them. That means your belongings will pass through customs and need to be declared properly.
If the paperwork isn’t in order, customs officials have every right to hold up, inspect, or even reject the shipment. And let’s face it — the last thing you want is to arrive in your new French home and discover your furniture’s stuck in Calais.
Since the UK left the EU, it’s now a legal requirement to provide a specific set of documents when moving personal goods into France. These documents prove that the items are yours, that they’re not being sold, and that you’re genuinely relocating.
The Main Documents You’ll Need
When you’re moving with a removals company like us here at Franklins Removals, we’ll help you gather and submit everything correctly. But for your peace of mind, here’s a look at the core customs documents required for a France removal:
1. Copy of Your Passport
This one’s obvious but vital. Customs needs a valid form of ID to confirm who’s relocating. A scan of the main photo page is sufficient.
2. Proof of Entry to France
This could be a copy of your ferry or Eurotunnel ticket, flight confirmation, or similar. It simply proves when and how you’re entering France — and that you are indeed moving, not shipping goods separately.
3. Detailed Inventory in French
Yes, it needs to be in French (not Google Translated, ideally). This document lists everything being transported — from sofas to saucepans — and needs to be reasonably accurate. It doesn’t have to be itemised down to the last spoon, but “10 boxes of kitchenware” won’t cut it either.
4. Proof of Your Move
You’ll also need something to prove your relocation. That could be:
- A new French rental agreement or property deed
- A job offer or transfer letter
- Utility bill in your name at a French address
This evidence ties everything together and shows customs that your move is genuine.
5 Cerfa No. 10070 Déclaration (Déclaration de transfert de résidence)
This is the key customs form that confirms you’re transferring your residence to France. It allows you to bring your personal goods duty-free — as long as they’ve been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to the move.
This form must be signed and accompanied by a declaration on honour (attestation sur l’honneur), confirming:
- You’re moving permanently to France
- The items are for personal use, not resale
- You’ll keep the goods in France for at least 12 months
A Quick Word on Timescales
It’s best to start preparing your customs documents at least 2–3 weeks before your move. This gives you and your removals company time to review everything, translate where needed, and submit paperwork in good time.
If you’re wondering how common delays are — according to the UK Federation of International Movers, as many as 1 in 5 post-Brexit international removals have experienced hold-ups due to incomplete or incorrect customs declarations. It’s worth taking seriously.
We’ll Help You Get It Right
Here at Franklins Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families make the move to France — from Brittany to Provence and everywhere in between. Our experienced team is fully up to speed on the latest customs rules and will guide you through each step.
We don’t just load the van and wave goodbye — we make sure all paperwork is sorted, translated where needed, and submitted on your behalf. It’s part of why so many of our customers come back to us or recommend us to friends.
One Last Thing
Don’t be tempted to cut corners with your paperwork. Yes, it might seem like a bit of a faff, but getting it right first time makes the move smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
If you’re already booked in with us, feel free to get in touch with any questions — we’re always happy to talk through the customs process.
If you haven’t yet planned your move and are curious about the full service, visit our France Removals page to see how we can help.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re still researching or already packing, we’re here to make your move to France as straightforward as possible. Speak to one of our friendly team members today and let’s make your relocation a reality — without the customs headaches.
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Give us a ring or drop us a message — we’d love to hear from you.