Import Duties & VAT For Motorcycles In France (2025 Explained)

Understanding import duty and VAT is essential if you plan to ship a motorcycle from the USA to France. These taxes often cost more than the ocean freight itself, so getting the numbers right up front helps you decide whether an import makes financial sense. This article focuses specifically on French duty, VAT, and classic-bike tax breaks—all applied to motorcycles.

For step‑by‑step shipping, cost, and customs examples, read the main guide on shipping motorcycles to France from the USA, and use the France shipping page to see current rates and routes.

How France Calculates Import Duty on Motorcycles

France applies the EU customs framework to motorcycles arriving from non‑EU countries such as the United States.

• For most modern motorcycles, the standard import duty rate is 10% of the declared value.

• The declared value is usually your purchase price, as shown on the bill of sale or invoice.

French customs can cross‑check that value using market data. If you present a value that is obviously too low for the bike’s age, model, and condition, they may ask for more evidence (old listings, bank transfers, or appraisals) and adjust the value upward.

Duty is calculated on the motorcycle itself, not on shipping; however, it becomes part of the base used to calculate VAT, as outlined below.

To see how this compares to cars and other vehicles, West Coast Shipping’s France car tariffs guide walks through the same 10% duty applied on US cars entering France.

French VAT (TVA) on Imported Motorcycles

Once import duty has been calculated, France applies VAT on the “landed value” of your motorcycle.

• The standard VAT rate is 20%.

• VAT is applied to the combined total of:

  • Motorcycle value

  • Plus shipping costs

  • Plus import duty

In formula terms:

• VAT base = bike value + freight + duty

• VAT = 20% of that total

This means shipping and duty are both taxed again by VAT. When budgeting, it’s important to treat duty and VAT as part of the total landed cost, not as an afterthought.

The same structure (duty plus VAT on bike + shipping + duty) is described for cars on the France shipping overview, and the percentages carry over directly to motorcycles.

Example: Duty & VAT on a Modern Motorcycle

Suppose you import a 2020 sportbike valued at $12,000 with $500 in shipping to France.

1. Import duty (10% of $12,000)

• Duty = $1,200

2. VAT base

• Bike value: $12,000

• Shipping: $500

• Duty: $1,200

• VAT base = $13,700

3. VAT (20% of $13,700)

• VAT = $2,740

Total French taxes:

• Duty + VAT = $1,200 + $2,740 = $3,940

So, while your shipping might start around $500 in a consolidated container, a modern motorcycle at this value would pay almost $4,000 in French taxes on entry.

The main motorcycle cost & customs guide for France uses similar examples to help you model your exact case.

Classic Motorcycles: Big Savings on Duty & VAT

France treats historic vehicles differently—this is where vintage motorcycles gain a major advantage.

To qualify as a historic vehicle for customs purposes, your motorcycle will typically need to:

• Be at least 30 years old;

• Be in largely original configuration;

• Be considered of historic or collector interest rather than everyday transport.

When a motorcycle qualifies:

• Import duty is reduced to 0% (no duty).

• VAT is reduced to around 5.5% instead of the standard 20%.

Example:

• Classic bike value: $25,000

• Shipping: $500

• Import duty: $0

• VAT base: $25,500

• VAT at 5.5% ≈ $1,400

Compared to a modern bike taxed at 10% duty and 20% VAT, this can save you several thousand dollars on a single import. This classic‑vehicle structure is explained in WCS’s car shipping prices to France breakdown and applies in the same way to qualifying motorcycles.

Because eligibility is strict, you’ll want strong documentation:

• Manufacturer production date proof (not just model year);

• Period‑correct condition (no major modern conversions);

• Supporting evidence if needed (factory records, heritage certificates, or recognized club appraisals).

French customs may ask for these when you claim the historic rate.

Relocation and Returning‑Resident Exemptions

In some cases, duty and VAT can be reduced or waived when the motorcycle comes as part of a personal move rather than a simple purchase.

Typical criteria for duty‑free and VAT‑free imports under “household effects” rules include:

• You’ve lived outside France (and usually outside the EU) for at least 12 consecutive months.

• You’ve owned and used the motorcycle in your previous country of residence for at least 6 months.

• You’re moving your primary residence to France and bringing the motorcycle as part of your personal possessions.

• You agree not to sell the motorcycle within a certain period (often 12 months) after import.

If you meet these conditions and provide the appropriate documents, French customs may waive both the 10% duty and 20% VAT. This is similar to the car exemptions described in the ultimate guide to shipping cars to France.

For military personnel or diplomats, there may be additional specific regimes, so it’s wise to verify with your base transportation office or consulate.

How Documentation Affects Your Duty & VAT Outcome

Your duty and VAT rate isn’t just about the motorcycle; it’s also about the paperwork you present.

Key documents include:

• Original title showing your name and any prior history;

• Bill of sale or invoice with real‑world purchase price;

• Proof of residence and relocation for exemption cases;

• Age and specification documentation for classic motorcycles;

• COC or tech sheets if you’re preparing for French registration after import.

If values are unclear, dates are unproven, or ownership is muddy, customs is more likely to:

• Delay clearance;

• Reject classic or relocation classifications;

• Re‑value the motorcycle closer to French market prices.

That’s why the cost examples in the France motorcycle guide always assume clean, consistent documentation.

Other French Costs Beyond Duty & VAT

Even though duty and VAT are the largest taxes, they’re not the only costs:

• Destination handling charges: Port and agent fees for processing your bike at Le Havre or another French entry port.

• Registration expenses:

  • Carte grise (registration tax) based on power and regional rate;

  • Possible Contrôle Technique (technical inspection) for certain bikes over 4 years old;

  • Plate and admin fees.

These are separate from customs and are paid when you register the motorcycle for use on French roads. The structure mirrors what’s described in what you need to take your car to France and can be adapted one‑to‑one for motorcycles.

Planning Your France Motorcycle Import Budget

To build a realistic budget, you can think of the total cost in three layers:

1. Shipping & handling

• Domestic transport to a WCS warehouse (if needed)

• Consolidated container freight (often from about $500 per motorcycle)

• Destination charges at the French port

2. Duty & VAT

• 10% duty + 20% VAT for modern bikes;

• 0% duty + 5.5% VAT for qualifying classics;

• Possible relief for relocation cases.

3. Post‑arrival costs

• Registration taxes and possible inspection costs;

• Any local transport from port to your garage or dealer.

Once you know your motorcycle’s value and whether it qualifies as modern, classic, or relocation, you can plug your route into the calculator on the France shipping page and compare that quote with the tax patterns outlined here.

Get a Duty & VAT‑Aware Quote for Shipping Your Motorcycle to France

If you’re ready to move from theory to exact figures, start by entering your origin, motorcycle details, and French destination into the calculator via the France page. With that rate in hand, you can add 10% duty and 20% VAT for a modern bike—or model the reduced classic or relocation scenarios—before booking.