Question 1

How do you work out the real cost of importing a car from Germany?

Accepted Answer

The landed cost in France adds up the purchase price, VAT (if the vehicle counts as new for tax: under 6 months old or under 6,000 km), the CO₂ tax, the weight tax, transport, the COC and the carte grise (French registration document). The DCZ IMPORTS calculator totals this automatically and returns a GO/NO-GO verdict.

Question 2

What is the quitus fiscal and how do you get one?

Accepted Answer

The quitus fiscal (tax clearance certificate) confirms that VAT on the vehicle is in order. You request it from the SIE, the French business tax office, once the vehicle has arrived in France. It is mandatory for ANTS registration.

Question 3

Does the CO₂ tax apply to used imported vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the CO₂ tax applies to imported vehicles, but an age-based reduction lowers the amount for used cars. The older the vehicle, the larger the reduction.

Question 4

Do you pay VAT when importing a car from Europe?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle counts as new for tax purposes if it is under 6 months old OR has under 6,000 km: French VAT at 20% is then due. Beyond that (over 6 months old AND over 6,000 km) the vehicle is used and no French VAT is due on import.

Question 5

How much does a COC (certificate of conformity) cost?

Accepted Answer

You request the COC from the manufacturer using the chassis number (VIN). The cost varies by brand, from a few tens to a few hundred euros. If the manufacturer cannot supply it, a DREAL attestation (RTI) is required.

Question 6

How long does it take to register an imported vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Allow 2 to 5 weeks in general, depending on transport, how quickly the SIE issues the quitus fiscal, obtaining the COC, and the ANTS processing time for the final carte grise.

Question 7

Is importing a car from Germany worth it in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but only once you have worked out the landed cost in France (VAT, CO₂ and weight taxes, transport, COC, registration). The DCZ IMPORTS calculator compares that cost with the resale price and returns an instant verdict.

Question 8

Car broker or importing yourself: which should you choose?

Accepted Answer

A broker offers simplicity but charges a commission (5 to 10%). Importing on your own keeps the whole margin but means handling the paperwork. DCZ IMPORTS offers the middle path: calculation tools and guided tracking, with no commission.

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