Guide · 5 min read
Car broker or importing yourself: the comparison
Using a broker means paying for peace of mind. Importing yourself means keeping the margin but handling the paperwork. Here is how to decide, based on your situation.
The broker: simple but more expensive
A mandataire auto (a French car import broker) negotiates, buys and handles the import on your behalf, for a commission (often 5 to 10 % or a flat fee). Ideal if you are short of time or confidence, but the margin shrinks.
Importing on your own: more margin, more involvement
By importing yourself you keep the entire price gap, but you handle the search, the negotiation, the transport and the paperwork. A good tool for calculating and tracking more than compensates for the added complexity.
Price your import in one minute
Full landed cost in France, plus a GO/NO-GO verdict and estimated margin.
Open the calculatorThe middle road
With DCZ IMPORTS you import yourself but with a broker's safety net: a profitability verdict before you buy, guided tracking of the paperwork (quitus fiscal, the French tax clearance certificate, then COC and ANTS) and a document vault. The margin of a personal import, with the composure of a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to price your import?
Free calculator: full landed cost in France (VAT, taxes, registration, shipping), plus a GO/NO-GO verdict and margin.
See a sample analysisRelated reading
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Last updated: 3 June 2026. Informational content, not tax advice.