Ship Motorcycles To France From USA: 2025 Cost, Duties & Customs Guide

Shipping a motorcycle from the United States to France is an excellent option for riders relocating, dealers expanding their inventory, or collectors acquiring American classics for European roads. With the right planning and documentation, the process is straightforward—and France's main port at Le Havre offers efficient customs clearance and direct access to all regions of the country.

This comprehensive 2025 guide covers every aspect of motorcycle shipping to France: how the process works, what it costs, how duties and VAT are calculated, and what documents you need to clear French customs smoothly. Whether you're moving a single Harley-Davidson or a container of dealer stock, this article gives you the information required to plan and budget your shipment.

West Coast Shipping has been helping customers ship vehicles to France since 2007. For instant pricing and route options, use the calculator on our France shipping page, or explore our broader resources for shipping cars to France.

How to Ship a Motorcycle to France

The mechanics of motorcycle shipping to France mirror the broader vehicle export process, with a few specific considerations for two-wheelers.

Step 1: Choose Your Shipping Method

Container Shipping is the most popular choice for motorcycles headed to France.

• Consolidated (Shared) Containers: Your motorcycle shares container space with other vehicles or cargo, reducing your per-unit cost. West Coast Shipping runs weekly consolidations from our California, Florida, and New Jersey warehouses—ideal for single-bike shipments.

• Dedicated Containers: You book an entire 20 ft or 40 ft container for exclusive use. Useful for high-value bikes, multiple units, or shipments that include parts and accessories alongside motorcycles.

RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is available for running motorcycles and is mostly used for oversized vehicles or heavy machinery, but container shipping generally provides better protection and more flexible scheduling for bikes.

Air Freight delivers the fastest transit (typically under two weeks), but at a significant premium. It's best suited for time-sensitive moves or extremely high-value machines.

For most US-to-France motorcycle shipments, consolidated container service offers the best balance of cost and protection.

Want a step-by-step walkthrough of the process? Check out our guide on how to ship a motorcycle to France from the USA in 2025 for everything from container options to customs prep.

Step 2: Prepare Your Motorcycle

Proper preparation ensures smooth customs clearance and protects your bike during transit:

• Fuel level: Reduce to no more than a quarter tank (some carriers require less).

• Battery: Disconnect or stabilize to prevent discharge during the voyage.

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean undercarriage and bodywork—French customs may inspect for organic material or excessive dirt.

• Personal items: Remove all loose items, saddlebags, and non-fixed accessories. Personal belongings are not permitted in vehicle shipments.

• Condition documentation: Photograph your motorcycle from all angles, with timestamps, before shipping. This creates an evidence trail in case of any transit damage.

Step 3: Deliver to a WCS Warehouse or Schedule Pickup

You can either drop off your motorcycle at one of West Coast Shipping's secure facilities (California, Florida, or New Jersey), or arrange domestic pickup from your location. Enclosed transport is available for high-value bikes during domestic transit.

Once at our warehouse, motorcycles are stored indoors at no extra charge while awaiting container loading and vessel departure.

Step 4: Export Documentation and US Customs

Our team handles all US export paperwork, including:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Today, most shipments use an Express Release BOL—cargo is released electronically at destination unless original paper documents are specifically required.

• Electronic Export Information (EEI): Required for shipments over the US filing threshold, submitted through the Automated Export System.

• Commercial invoice and packing list.

Once cleared, your motorcycle is loaded into a container and shipped to Le Havre, France's primary vehicle import port.

Step 5: Ocean Transit to France

Typical transit times from US ports to Le Havre:

• East Coast (New York, New Jersey, Florida): 2–3 weeks sailing, plus approximately 1–2 weeks for container loading and consolidation.

• West Coast (California): 5–7 weeks sailing via Atlantic routing.

Consolidated containers may add an extra week while loads are grouped and optimized.

Step 6: French Customs Clearance

Upon arrival at Le Havre, your motorcycle enters French customs processing. This involves:

• Presenting all required documentation.

• Paying applicable import duties and VAT.

• Possible inspection to verify the motorcycle matches declared specifications.

Once cleared, you can collect your bike from the port or arrange delivery to your address anywhere in France.

Step 7: French Registration

After customs clearance, motorcycles must be registered with French authorities before legal road use. This process includes:

• Obtaining a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the manufacturer or proving EU compliance through an inspection.

• Passing the French technical inspection (Contrôle Technique) if applicable.

• Submitting documents to the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) online portal or local prefecture.

• Paying registration fees and any applicable taxes.

For detailed guidance on vehicle registration in France, the car-focused article on what you need to take your car to France walks through the full process—the same logic applies to motorcycles.

Cost to Ship a Motorcycle from USA to France

The total cost of shipping a motorcycle to France includes ocean freight, domestic transport (if needed), destination handling, and French taxes. Here's how each component breaks down.

Ocean Freight: Base Shipping Rates

For motorcycles shipped via consolidated container from West Coast Shipping's US warehouses to Le Havre, France:

Motorcycles to consolidated destinations: $500 per motorcycle

This rate applies to standard motorcycles shipped in shared containers from our California, Florida, or New Jersey facilities. It represents one of the most cost-effective ways to move a single bike internationally.

Curious about pricing? Check out our article on the cost to ship a motorcycle from the USA to France in 2025 for real rates, example scenarios, and tips to keep your total spend low.

Factors that can adjust the rate:

• Dedicated containers: If you're shipping multiple motorcycles or prefer exclusive container use, dedicated 20 ft or 40 ft containers are priced based on full container costs—becoming more economical at higher volumes.

• Oversized or heavy bikes: Large touring motorcycles or trikes may require additional space or handling considerations.

• Air freight: Significantly faster but typically 3–5 times the cost of ocean shipping.

Domestic US Transport

If your motorcycle isn't near one of our warehouse locations:

• Open transport: $250–$600 depending on distance.

• Enclosed transport: Add $100–$200 for weather protection and extra security during domestic transit.

Dropping the bike off yourself at a WCS facility eliminates this cost entirely.

French Destination Charges

Upon arrival in France, destination handling fees apply:

• Port/terminal handling: Starting at approximately $600, depending on the receiving agent and specific services required.

• Customs brokerage: Fees for processing your customs declaration and coordinating clearance.

These destination charges are separate from ocean freight and are typically paid at or shortly before cargo release.

Example Cost Scenario: Single Motorcycle, East Coast to France

• Ocean freight (consolidated): $500

• Domestic pickup (optional, 300 miles): ~$350

• Destination handling in France: ~$600

• Subtotal (shipping and handling): ~$1,450

Import duties and VAT are additional and calculated based on your motorcycle's value (see next section).

For a personalized estimate covering your specific motorcycle and origin, use the calculator on the France shipping page.

Import Duties & VAT for Motorcycles in France

France, as an EU member state, applies standard EU import duty rates and French VAT to motorcycles arriving from outside the European Union.

Standard Import Duty

Import duty: 10% of the declared value for most motorcycles entering France from non-EU countries like the United States.

The declared value is typically based on the purchase price shown on your bill of sale or invoice. French customs may cross-reference market values and request additional documentation if the declared value appears unusually low.

Want to understand the taxes? Read our full breakdown of import duties and VAT for motorcycles in France to learn how much you’ll pay and how classic bikes or relocations may qualify for exemptions.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

French VAT: 20% applied to the combined total of:

• Motorcycle value

• Plus shipping costs

• Plus import duty

This means VAT is charged on the full landed cost including duty—not just the bike's purchase price.

Example Duty and VAT Calculation

For a motorcycle valued at $15,000 with $500 shipping:

• Import duty (10%): $1,500

• Taxable base for VAT: $15,000 + $500 + $1,500 = $17,000

• VAT (20%): $3,400

• Total duties and taxes: $4,900

Classic Motorcycle Benefits: Reduced Rates

Motorcycles over 30 years old qualify for significant tax advantages in France:

• Import duty: Exempt (0%)

• VAT: Reduced to approximately 5.5% instead of 20%

For a classic motorcycle valued at $25,000 with $500 shipping:

• Import duty: $0

• Taxable base for VAT: $25,500

• VAT (5.5%): ~$1,400

• Total duties and taxes: ~$1,400

Compared to the standard rates, this represents savings of over $5,000 on the same value motorcycle. Proper documentation proving the motorcycle's manufacturing date (not just model year) is required to claim this benefit.

Relocation Exemptions

French residents returning from abroad, or individuals relocating permanently to France, may qualify to import a personal motorcycle duty-free and VAT-free as part of their household goods, provided:

• They have lived outside France for at least 12 consecutive months.

• They have owned and used the motorcycle for at least 6 months before relocating.

• The motorcycle is for personal use, not resale.

• They commit to keeping the bike for at least 12 months after import.

This exemption can eliminate thousands of euros in taxes but requires careful documentation and timing. The article on shipping cars to France covers these residency-based exemptions in more detail.

Additional Registration Costs

After clearing customs, French registration involves additional fees:

• Registration tax (carte grise): Based on engine power and CO2 emissions; motorcycles typically incur lower fees than cars.

• Technical inspection (Contrôle Technique): If required for your motorcycle category.

These are separate from import duties and VAT and are paid during the French registration process.

French Customs Clearance: Paperwork & Procedures for Your Bike

Smooth customs clearance in France depends on having complete, consistent documentation ready before your motorcycle arrives at Le Havre.

Essential Documents for French Customs

1. Original Title Certificate

• Must show clear ownership in your name with no liens.

• If a lien existed, include a lien release letter.

• The VIN must match all other documents exactly.

Want to learn more about the paperwork? Check out our guide to clearing French customs for everything you need to know about documents, BOL types, conformity concerns, and avoiding delays at Le Havre.

2. Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice

• Shows purchase price, date, buyer/seller details, and VIN.

• Used by French customs to calculate duties and VAT.

• If you've owned the bike for years, a value declaration with supporting market evidence may be needed.

3. Bill of Lading

• The shipping document confirming cargo details, shipper, consignee, and vessel information.

• Most shipments now use Express Release BOLs—electronic release at destination unless originals are specifically required.

4. Passport and Identification

• Copy of valid passport for individuals.

• Business registration documents for commercial imports.

5. Certificate of Conformity (COC) or Technical Documentation

• A COC proves the motorcycle meets EU safety and emissions standards.

• You can clear customs without a COC, but it becomes mandatory when registering the motorcycle for French road use.

• Without a COC, expect additional steps: homologation testing, technical inspections by French authorities, or obtaining manufacturer documentation proving EU-equivalent specifications.

6. Proof of Compliance for Classic Motorcycles

• For bikes over 30 years old claiming reduced duty/VAT, provide documentation proving the manufacturing date (build plate, manufacturer certificate, or official registry records).

French Customs Clearance Process

Pre-Arrival Notification: Customs brokers receive vessel schedules in advance, allowing documentation review and declaration preparation before the motorcycle physically arrives.

Customs Declaration Filing: The customs broker submits an electronic declaration including all required documents, declared value, and duty/VAT calculations.

Inspection (If Required): French customs may physically inspect the motorcycle to verify it matches declared specifications. A clean, well-documented bike reduces inspection likelihood.

Payment of Duties and VAT: All applicable charges must be paid before release. Payment is typically handled through the customs broker.

Release Authorization: Once documentation is approved and payment confirmed, customs issues release authorization and the motorcycle can leave the port.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

Experienced importers still encounter problems when small errors accumulate:

• VIN mismatches: Even one incorrect character across title, invoice, and BOL can trigger manual review.

• Title not in shipper's name: Ensure a clear ownership trail with proper bills of sale for any transfers.

• Undervaluation: Declaring a value significantly below market can result in customs re-valuation and penalties.

• Missing translations: Some documents may require certified French translation.

• Incomplete consignee details: Ensure French contact information is accurate and complete.

Reviewing all paperwork against the requirements outlined on the France page before shipping prevents most clearance delays.

After Customs: French Registration

Clearing customs gets your motorcycle released from the port—it does not make it road-legal. To register and ride legally in France:

1. Obtain a COC from the manufacturer, or complete French homologation/inspection proving EU compliance.

2. Pass the Contrôle Technique (technical inspection) if required for your motorcycle category.

3. Gather documents: proof of customs clearance, identity, address, ownership, and conformity documentation.

4. Submit registration application via the ANTS online portal or local prefecture.

5. Pay registration fees and receive your French registration card (carte grise) and plates.

The same registration framework applies to cars and motorcycles; see the ultimate guide to shipping cars to France for step-by-step registration details.

Why Ship Your Motorcycle to France with West Coast Shipping?

West Coast Shipping has facilitated thousands of vehicle shipments to France since 2007. Our motorcycle shipping service offers:

• Weekly consolidated containers from California, Florida, and New Jersey to Le Havre.

• Competitive rates: Motorcycles ship for $500 to consolidated destinations.

• Secure indoor storage at all US facilities while awaiting departure.

• Complete export documentation handling, including EEI filing and BOL preparation.

• Flexible options: Shared or dedicated containers, domestic pickup, and coordination with French destination agents.

• Expert guidance on French import duties, VAT, and registration requirements.

For more information on shipping vehicles to France, explore our articles on car shipping prices to France, French auto tariffs, and why importing a car from the US to France makes sense.

Get Your Motorcycle Shipping Quote to France

Ready to ship your motorcycle to France? Use our calculator on the France shipping page to see current rates for your specific origin, motorcycle, and timeline. Whether you're moving a single bike or planning dealer-volume imports, West Coast Shipping delivers the expertise and logistics to get your motorcycle to France safely and cost-effectively.