As part of its broader industrial and mobility strategy, the European Union has introduced key reforms in 2024 and 2025 to streamline vehicle imports, adjust taxes, and harmonise technical norms across Member States. France, as a core EU member, is actively implementing these changes, with important implications for expats, auto manufacturers, and vehicle importers.
Here’s what you need to know if you're planning to relocate to France with your car, buy an imported vehicle, or operate in the French auto sector.
EU–US Agreement: Mutual Recognition and Tariff Reductions
What Changed in August 2025?
In a joint EU–US statement on 21 August 2025, both sides said they “intend to accept and provide mutual recognition” of automotive standards. This is a political commitment, not blanket or automatic legal equivalence.
- Tariff cut: The U.S. car tariff is set to fall to 15%, retroactive to 1 August 2025, once the EU adopts its reciprocal acts. The European Commission tabled proposals at the end of August 2025.
- Mutual recognition: Future cooperation aims at reducing duplicative testing, but EU type-approval rules still apply.
- Impact in France: French exporters stand to benefit once the tariff cut takes effect.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomed the clarity but warned that the recent 27.5% tariff has been costing EU automakers millions per day.
Will My U.S. Vehicle Be Accepted in France?
Not automatically. The EU–US joint communiqué of 21 August 2025 mentions that both parties “intend to accept and provide mutual recognition” of certain automotive standards. However, this is only a political declaration of intent at this stage, no binding EU law has yet been adopted.
For now, French authorities continue to apply EU safety and environmental standards. That means U.S. vehicles still need to undergo adjustments or individual approval before registration, especially concerning emissions, noise, and pedestrian protection systems.
Safety organisations such as the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) have warned against broad recognition of U.S. standards, citing gaps in areas like pedestrian crash protection and emission durability. The EU stresses selective rather than blanket recognition.
Updated Type-Approval Framework in France
Digital Vehicle Certificates and Technical Control
Under EU reforms taking effect in 2025–2026, France has updated its framework for recognising vehicle inspections and documentation:
- Mutual recognition of periodic technical inspections: a valid EU roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) less than 6 months old (2 months if a retest was prescribed) can be used for first French registration.
- Translations: Authorities may require certified translations for documents not in French (e.g. registration, invoice).
- Electronic certificates: Manufacturer-issued digital Certificates of Conformity (CoC) are now accepted.
Important: The windscreen inspection sticker is not mandatory in France, enforcement relies on police records and the inspection report.
French Tax Changes for Imported Vehicles in 2025
CO₂ Malus Tax Hike
From 1 March 2025, France adjusted its environmental tax (malus) on high-emission vehicles:
- Starts at 113 g/km CO₂ (WLTP), 50 €.
- Rises progressively to 70,000 € at ≥192–193 g/km.
- Applies to both domestic and imported vehicles.
- A weight-based malus applies from 1,600 kg; BEVs are exempt. The combined total (CO₂ + weight) is capped at the CO₂ malus maximum (70,000 €).
This underscores France’s strict environmental goals under the Euro 7 framework.
Company Car Benefits
The Arrêté du 25 février 2025 revised the taxation of company cars:
- Forfait valuations increased overall.
- Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) may benefit from up to a 70% abatement (capped at about 4,582 €/year), provided they meet the ADEME éco-score criteria. This reduction is available through 31 December 2027.
- Electricity paid by the employer is excluded from the benefit valuation.
- For non-electric vehicles, the forfait is generally calculated at 15% of purchase value, but this is a method, not a direct penalty.
Global Harmonisation via UNECE and Euro 7
France continues to align with the UNECE 1958 Agreement, which now has around 64 Contracting Parties, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Company Car Benefits
The new Euro 7 Regulation (EU 2024/1257) entered into force on 28 May 2024. Application starts:
- 29 November 2026: new types of passenger cars and vans.
- Later dates: all registrations and heavy-duty vehicles (details via implementing acts).
Euro 7 includes stricter Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests, onboard monitoring (OBM), and new rules for brake and tyre particle emissions.
ZFE Low-Emission Zones: 2025 Rollout
As of 2025, 25 French urban areas have established Zones à Faibles Émissions (ZFE). More “vigilance territories” are legally required to prepare plans but have staggered implementation calendars.
- Restrictions: Vehicles with high Crit’Air stickers (e.g., Crit’Air 4 or 5) face restrictions; Paris and Lyon have announced bans on Crit’Air 3 from 2025, though enforcement timetables vary.
- Enforcement: Fines are typically 68 € for cars, 135 € for heavy vehicles. Automated ANPR camera enforcement is being phased in (e.g., Lyon from 2026), but in many areas police checks are still the main enforcement tool.
Vehicle Import Exemptions for Expats
Transfer of Residence Rule
Expats relocating to France may import one vehicle tax-free if:
- They lived abroad for at least 12 months.
- The vehicle was owned and used abroad for at least 6 months.
- The vehicle is imported within 12 months of moving to France.
- The vehicle is not sold for 12 months after import.
Preferential Tariff Treatment
Vehicles manufactured in the EU or in partner countries may avoid the standard 10% import duty if they qualify under an EU free trade agreement. Proof of origin depends on the FTA, often a statement on origin/REX, though an EUR.1 certificate is still used under certain agreements.
Challenges: Safety vs. Trade Simplification
While industry leaders praise these reforms for reducing red tape and costs, safety organisations like the ETSC caution that recognising U.S. standards could compromise EU road safety. The EU emphasises selective rather than blanket mutual recognition to maintain integrity in safety and environmental protections.
FAQ: Vehicle Import Rules for Expats in France
Can I bring my U.S. or UK car to France tax-free?
Yes, under the transfer-of-residence exemption, provided you lived abroad for 12+ months, owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months, import it within 12 months of your move, and keep it for at least 12 months after import.
Do I need to redo my vehicle inspection in France?
Not necessarily. France accepts an EU roadworthiness test less than 6 months old, but translations may be required if documents aren’t in French. Some drivers still choose to redo it in France for clarity.
Are U.S. vehicles now automatically accepted in France?
No. The EU-US initiative is not a blanket equivalence; French safety and emissions rules still apply. Vehicle modifications or individual approval may be required.
Will I pay CO₂ or weight tax when registering?
Yes, unless exempt under transfer-of-residence. From 1 March 2025, the CO₂ malus starts at 113 g/km and is capped at 70,000 €. The weight malus applies above 1,600 kg but is capped by the CO₂ ceiling. BEVs are exempt from weight tax.
Can I drive my older diesel in Paris?
Likely not. Crit’Air 3 vehicles face restrictions in Paris (phased from 2025) and several other cities. Enforcement varies, with gradual rollout of automated checks.
To Wrap it All Up
France is actively implementing the EU’s vehicle import reforms, balancing trade liberalisation with rigorous environmental and safety controls. Whether you're a car owner relocating to France, a business importing vehicles, or just exploring your options as an expat, understanding these updated rules gives you a clear advantage.
Need help exchanging your license, buying or importing a vehicle? Book a 1:1 consultation with Alex from FAV Services, your go-to expert for driving in France. Book your consultation now