Importing a JDM to France.

Importing from Japan to France means paying customs duty on the customs value (typically based on FOB + freight and insurance to the EU border), then TVA on the import value including duty. Registration taxes and the malus écologique are calculated when the car is registered in France.

Homologation (UTAC single approval or, for eligible classics, FFVE collection status) is a separate budget line. Shipping from Japan, inland transport in France, and any compliance work (lighting, speedo) add to the total landed cost.

The malus is a one-off CO₂-related charge at first registration in France. It uses the official CO₂ value on the French registration document. High-performance JDM cars can fall in high brackets—sometimes tens of thousands of euros—unless the vehicle qualifies for exemptions or reduced categories.

A thorough homologation that documents a near-stock engine and emissions profile can align the declared CO₂ with reality and avoid “worst-case” default values. Modified engines, swapped ECUs, or missing data often push the malus higher than necessary.

Most JDM imports need a French single vehicle approval. UTAC (or another approved technical service) verifies the vehicle against French requirements: lighting, noise, brakes, emissions reference, and documentation from Japan.

FFVE “collection” status applies to vehicles over 30 years old that meet classic-car criteria. It can simplify registration for eligible cars and is often paired with limited annual mileage. It is not automatic: paperwork and inspection still apply. Under-30 cars generally follow the UTAC route unless another EU approval is recognized.

For many importers, the “25-year” discussion refers to practical eligibility: older vehicles are often easier to import and register in various markets. In France, the critical distinction for collection status is typically the 30-year threshold for FFVE-style classic registration, not a blanket import ban at 25 years.

Always confirm your car’s build date, model variant, and modification status before assuming FFVE eligibility. Rules evolve; your preparateur or UTAC can confirm the current path.

Yes. Right-hand drive vehicles can be registered in France if they pass homologation and inspection. You must meet visibility, lighting, and safety requirements as assessed by the approval body. RHD is not banned; it is simply less common, so insurers and daily ergonomics are considerations—not legal blockers.

Typical sequence: purchase and export from Japan → sea freight (often several weeks) → customs clearance in the EU → transport to your preparateur → homologation dossier and inspection → registration with taxes and malus → plates.

Allow several months end-to-end if documentation from Japan is incomplete or if the car needs mechanical or cosmetic work before inspection. Starting with a clear auction sheet and service history speeds UTAC review.