Reunion Islands

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Bill of Lading
Five valued inventories (in French Francs), detailed and signed by the shipper (1 original and 4 copies), on which must appear an address of contact on Reunion Island
Copy of passport
Copy of the taxation advice
Packing list
Certificate of change of residence (moving order for militaries)
Attestation of non-sale
Copy of the plane ticket
Invoices of hi-fi/video items (cameras, radios, etc.)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Goods must be imported within twelve (12) months of the date of transfer of residence. They are allowed entry duty free if the importer has lived in a country outside the EU for at least one year AND the personal belongings have be used by the importer for at least six (6) months. Goods must not leave the importer’s possession for at least twelve (12) months from the date of importation.

PROHIBITED GOODS

Weapons and ammunitions are prohibited. An import authorization is required for weapons that do not originate in France.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol and other spirits are prohibited and should be sent separately. Only the mention "Fond De Cave" (less than 15 bottles) is acceptable.

DUTIES

If the customer does not benefit from the duty free exemption, he will have to pay:

VAT of approximately 9.5%
"Droits D’octroi De Mer": depends on the nature of the goods

MOTOR VEHICLES

Original registration paper
Bill of lading
Copy of passport
Certificate of change of residence
Certificate of non-cession
Original invoice
COM T2L No 3 and EUR 1 (only for new cars)
The documents must be given at the time of customs clearance. All the vehicles that are not produced in the European Union must be checked, as the steering wheel must be on the left.

Taxes are based on the duty free value plus freight and insurance.

VAT = 9.5% for cars imported within EEC
"Octroi de Mer" Tax:
approximately 12% for capacity of 0 to 1000 cmcube
17% for capacity between 1000 and 1500 cm3
22% for capacity between 1500 and 2000 cm3
27% for capacity above 2000 cm3
Additional tax of 1%

PROHIBITED GOODS

A vaccination book kept up to date is required
FEW EXAMPLES OF FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES RATES (IF NOT ALLOWED IN EXEMPTION FROM CUSTOMS DUTIES):

Wine and spirits: between 40 and 80%
Items of clothing: between 17 and 22%
Tableware: around 22%
Hi-Fi: between 12 and 22%
(1) For used items, tax is reduced to 5.5%.

For the four categories of articles detailed above you have to add 1% of additional taxes on French Overseas Territories.