import a US model into France

[kyanne]

Hi,
I just started riding in the US and bought a 2005 FZ6. I am thinking about going back to France by the end of the year and I like that bike so much that I would like to bring it back with me.
Does any one know if the US model is or can be adapted to the french requirements and how to do this...
Also looking at how to bring it there...

Thanks

 

[Davey]

It's a nightmare! I am trying to import my UK Fazer to France at the moment and it's quite complicated, but at least it's a European bike. With a bike from outside the EU it's more complex.

You might have to pay an import tax (not sure though), do the controle technique and probably have an inspection from the licensing authority (at the prefecture). All of this costs money of course!!! Plus the cost of getting it here in the first place!

My advice would be to sell it in the States and buy a French one here. So much easier, and although you may lose some money through the exchange in the interest rate it is worth it once you take into account the hassle and cost of importing.

It's a very popular bike here so you'd be able to find another one fairly easily!

Good luck whatever you choose!

 

[mickod]

Hi Davey and Kyanne,

I'm also trying to import my FZ6 2007 into France from Ireland at the moment. Kyanne, have you had any success with this so far because I'm losing it here.

I brought all my paperwork to the local Impots to get my Quittus Fiscal to show that I've paid all my taxes for the bike, but I was told that I need to be a French tax resident. All I have is an electricity bill with my name, as my company is in Ireland. Do you have this problem at all?

Also, I think (but I'm not certain) that motorcycles don't need a control technique in France. Have you heard anything about this?

Thanks for any help you can give!

safe riding,

Michael O'Donnell

 

[Davey]

Hi Michael,

I didn't have any problems getting the form showing the tax was paid. The frustrating thing is it seems to vary from region to region! The guy I did it with didn't seem to know much about it, and even questioned if I needed it. Get it though just in case. Never heard anything about having to be a resident tax payer. However, are you doing this as a private individual or through your company? Who is the registered owner of the bike?

You're right about the controle technique - not needed! BUT, you're certificate de conformité European from yamaha (you do have one right?! It's expensive about 120 euros) will only be a partial one, and will state you need to change the lights for driving on the right. Buy a second hand light unit and do the work yourself (it's easy and I can give you tips if you need it). You'll then need to have it inspected to confirm it meets French standards at the DREAR - basically for about 80 euros some guy looks at the light for the E13 mark on the glass, and sends you the paperwork about a week later.

So once you've got that you can go to the local Mairie and register your bike! It's expensive, and price varies from region to region, I think I paid about 120 euros. You'll need:

Tax paid certificate
DREAR inspection paperwork
Certificate de conformité European from Yamaha
Your Irish registration docs
Proof of address
ID
Your previously filled out french carte grise application form.

It's complicated, expensive and an administrative nightmare! If I did it again, I'd just sell my bike in the UK and buy a French one here.

Let me know if you need more help or info.

Dave