Do I need customs paperwork to move from the UK to France?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, goods leaving Great Britain for France need export formalities in the UK and import formalities in France, even for personal belongings.

Why does France matter if my goods go to another country?

Most road freight from Great Britain enters the EU through French ports or the Channel Tunnel, so entry and transit formalities are often handled there before the goods continue.

Can Dimond Movers transport the goods as well?

Not through this enquiry. This service covers customs documentation only. If you also need a move, use our separate international removals enquiry.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is general guidance. Requirements are set by HMRC and French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI) and can change.

UK to France Customs Clearance

Customs services only — transport and removals are not included.

In short: Customs clearance between the UK and France means making a UK export declaration when goods leave Great Britain and an import declaration to French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI) when they arrive, or claiming relief where personal belongings qualify.

France is an EU member state, so goods arriving from Great Britain are imports into the EU customs territory. They are declared to French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI) under the Union Customs Code, and EU VAT and duty rules apply unless a relief is granted.

Dimond Movers helps private individuals and small businesses prepare the customs information for UK–France movements. We explain the paperwork and get it ready; the decisions are made by HMRC and French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI). Goods coming from France to the UK follow our UK import and ToR1 guides.

How a UK to France customs move usually works

Agree who is the exporter and who is the importer, and whether EORI numbers are needed on each side.
Prepare the UK export declaration so the goods have an export MRN and proof that they left Great Britain.
Provide entry safety and security data before the goods reach the EU border.
Move the goods under transit if they are cleared inland rather than at the border.
Submit the import declaration, or the relief claim for personal belongings, to French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI), and keep copies of everything.

French points to know

Goods crossing the Channel by ferry or Eurotunnel enter the EU in France, so many UK–Europe movements meet French customs first even when France is not the final destination.
Cross-Channel routes use pre-lodged declarations linked to the vehicle; arriving without them can mean being turned back or held at the port.
For a move to France, a dated and signed inventory and proof of your previous UK residence are the core documents for the relief on personal belongings.

Moving your home: personal belongings

EU law allows personal property to be imported free of duty and VAT when a person moves their normal residence into the EU. Generally you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months, have owned and used the goods for at least six months, and import them within the time limits set by the rules. The goods must not be sold or lent for a period after arrival.

France applies these rules through its own procedures and forms, so the exact documents can vary. New items, goods for sale and certain vehicles, alcohol and tobacco are treated differently.

Business and commercial goods

Goods sold to a customer in France, samples, stock and equipment are commercial goods. They need commodity codes, a commercial invoice and origin evidence if claiming zero tariff under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Personal relief cannot be used for them.

Documents usually needed

Passport or identity document
Itemised, dated and signed inventory (with a translation where requested)
Proof of your new residence in France
Proof of your previous residence in the UK, such as tenancy, utility or employment records
UK export declaration reference (MRN) and transport details
For commercial goods: commercial invoice, packing list, commodity codes and EORI numbers

Common mistakes to avoid

Treating a move from the UK as a move within the EU — it is not, since Brexit.
Mixing new or business goods into a personal belongings claim.
Sending goods before the residence documents are in place.
Forgetting that a transit movement must be closed at the destination office.

Timing

Clearance times are decided by HMRC and French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI) and depend on the goods, the documents and any checks. We do not promise clearance or delivery times.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need customs paperwork to move from the UK to France?: Yes. Since 1 January 2021, goods leaving Great Britain for France need export formalities in the UK and import formalities in France, even for personal belongings.
Why does France matter if my goods go to another country?: Most road freight from Great Britain enters the EU through French ports or the Channel Tunnel, so entry and transit formalities are often handled there before the goods continue.
Can Dimond Movers transport the goods as well?: Not through this enquiry. This service covers customs documentation only. If you also need a move, use our separate international removals enquiry.
Is this legal advice?: No. This page is general guidance. Requirements are set by HMRC and French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects, DGDDI) and can change.

Official sources

Requirements are set by HMRC and EU customs authorities and can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026.