UK car import to France 2026: 846A & COC

In 2026, importing a new or used vehicle from the United Kingdom is no longer an “EU-style” procedure. Since 1 January 2021, the UK is a third country: the tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) — reserved for EU purchases — does not apply. You need an 846A customs clearance certificate, settle import taxes, prove conformity, then obtain a French carte grise via ANTS / France Titres or an accredited professional.

Ready to file? Start foreign vehicle registration with Office Carte Grise (Ministry accreditation N°188573): document checks, SIV transmission, follow-up until the title arrives.

What Brexit still changes in 2026

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. During the 2020 transition year, registration formalities stayed close to the intra-EU regime. Since 1 January 2021, a British vehicle is treated as a non-EU import for customs purposes — like a Swiss or US vehicle.

• Before Brexit — quitus fiscal + conformity, without third-country customs clearance.
• Since 2021 / still in 2026 — customs formalities, 846A certificate, French VAT, conformity (COC or RTI / FFVE), then French registration.
• User deadline — you typically have one month to start French registration; building the file (customs + COC) often takes longer: plan temporary WW plates.

Customs clearance and the 846A certificate

The 846A is issued by French customs after import formalities. It is the key tax document for the SIV file on a UK vehicle: without it, neither ANTS nor an accredited pro can finish the carte grise.

• VAT — generally 20% on the vehicle value (often including transport costs to the EU border).
• Customs duty — a reference rate of 10% is often cited; under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), duty may be reduced to 0% if British preferential origin is properly evidenced (invoice / origin proofs). Confirm your case with customs.
• Classic vehicles — reduced tax regimes may apply (e.g. lower VAT depending on age criteria): confirm on the customs file, alongside the FFVE route.

Keep the purchase invoice, UK V5C registration document and transport proofs: they are required for the 846A and for registration.

VAT: UK vs an EU purchase

Origin	Tax document	2026 logic
European Union	Quitus fiscal	Confirms the VAT position for a first French registration
United Kingdom (Brexit)	846A certificate	Third country: customs clearance + FR VAT (no quitus)
Other non-EU	846A	Same customs logic as the UK

For a classic EU purchase, also see our guide EU vehicle tax clearance (quitus). For the UK, go straight to the foreign vehicle path.

Conformity: COC, DREAL / RTI or FFVE

To register, the vehicle must be recognised as compliant with the rules applicable in France.

• COC (European certificate of conformity) — issued by the manufacturer when the model is EU type-approved. Lead times and fees vary widely by brand.
• RTI (individual approval) — if a COC is impossible or incomplete (UK-market configuration, right-hand drive, equipment): DREAL file, possible UTAC tests, then an official report.
• Classic (30 years+) — often no manufacturer COC: FFVE certificate then classic registration.

Dedicated guide: COC and registration.

French roadworthiness test (UK MOT is not enough)

Since Brexit, the British MOT is not accepted for French registration. A French contrôle technique less than 6 months old is required for vehicles that must take the test (in practice, over 4 years, except exempt categories). Book a French test slot as soon as the vehicle arrives.

Documents for the French carte grise

Gather (clear scans):

• Complete UK V5C registration document;
• Purchase invoice or transfer certificate;
• 846A customs clearance certificate;
• COC, DREAL RTI, or FFVE certificate depending on the case;
• French roadworthiness test (if required);
• ID, driving licence, proof of address less than 6 months old;
• Insurance certificate;
• Cerfa no. 13750 (application) and no. 13757 (mandate) if you use an accredited professional.

Overview: registering a foreign vehicle in France.

Office Carte Grise expert view

UK files rarely stall on “the carte grise alone”: it is the customs → conformity → SIV chain that blocks. In 2026 we mostly see:

• Quitus vs 846A confusion — quitus is for the EU. For the UK, it is the 846A. Mixing them up costs weeks.
• Temporary WW — useful when the COC or customs is delayed. Plan definitive registration; WW is not a final title. Guide: temporary WW plates.
• Right-hand drive / UK-market options — the COC may be refused or incomplete: DREAL RTI is more common than for a German or Belgian import.
• British classic — over 30 years: prioritise FFVE + the right customs tax path, then collection status.
• Regional taxes — once the tax/conformity file is ready, the Y1 cost depends on your region’s fiscal horsepower: 2026 rates and the registration cost calculator.

Unusual case (UK leasing, company, temporary export)? Use the contact page.

FAQ — importing a vehicle from the United Kingdom

Do I still need a quitus fiscal for a UK vehicle?

No. Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is outside the EU: the expected tax document is the 846A customs clearance certificate, not the quitus.

Can I drive in France on UK plates while the file is processed?

To drive safely while the file is built, apply for temporary WW plates, then finish foreign vehicle registration before they expire.

Is the British MOT accepted?

No. For French registration, a roadworthiness test carried out in France is required when the vehicle is subject to the test.

Take action

Do not let customs and conformity delay your title: order your UK vehicle registration online, upload your documents after payment, and receive your carte grise at home. Need WW plates, a COC or an FFVE certificate? Our team can also help via contact.