Updated advice about taking vehicles into France on trailers

Members are reminded that the official advice remains to ensure that you take the correct paperwork when travelling into France with vehicles, especially if they are on trailers. All ex military vehicles are coming under increased scrutiny. 

Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months.  Historic military vehicles are covered by a piece of legislation called an OGEL. Owners of all ex-military vehicles (whether trailered or not)  should carry a copy of the exemption papers:
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
Print out the top document (most recent). This should be carried in addition to V5 and insurance documentation etc that should accompany each vehicle.

Additionally, vehicles on trailers or taken inside another vehicle (as in the case of motorcyles etc) are regarded as cargo and should be declared at customs. The additional form required for trailered vehicles is called a CERFA and should be filled in and given to the authorities on arrival at a port. Failure to do so could attract a fine and a hefty fee based on thier approximation of the vehicles value  - which can amount to almost £1000 for a jeep. You should exit the port in the red "goods to declare lane" and offer the completed CERFA form to officials. If the douanes wave you through and do not process the CERFA, you are advised to note the exact time that you were waved through, for reference on your return if you are challenged - although this is unlikely. 

The two page form can be completed on a computer - the first page autofills the second. The translation is provided for guidance only. You should fill in the FRENCH VERSION. 

Translation for guidance only

ADDITIONAL ADVICE REGARDING AXES FIXED TO JEEPS AND PIONEEER RACKS.
Another recent incident involving a jeep from the UK, saw a Douane officer requesting that the owner of the jeep remove his axe from the side of the jeep before boarding the ferry. The reason was purely a question of prevention, as in the past axes have been taken off vehicles and used as weapons. Furthermore, several owners have had axes stolen from jeeps whilst in France. It may therefore be advisable to remove axes before you travel. The same applies to tools on Pioneer racks which are prone to theft and might be confiscated on arrival.