does anyone know if it is it necessary to obtain a carnet for a motorcycle being shipped into france from canada, we will be touring a few months around west africa then exiting via france back to canada, by boat p.s. FYI we have found, what we think, is a reasonable priced shipper out of toronto, Marco Polo shipping,very friendly very helpful.

In answer to my own question, after confirmation with French embassey, here is the information copied directly from the french embassey web site, basically if you stay under 6 months you do not need a carnet, you do however need insurance which must be shown at customs before they will release the bike/vehicle, i have found a very helpful company that can look after this, knopftours.com, i believe they are out of germany but can look after insurance for americans and canadians, anyway,

What kind of vehicles may be temporarily imported by tourists?

Tourists are allowed to import the following vehicles (not more than one in each category):

- motorcycle;
- passenger car;
- trailer;
- semi-trailer;
- house trailer;
- motor home.


Tourists may drive with their own Canadian or US license plates and with their own personal driver’s licenses, provided they comply with the driving minimum age requirement in France of 18 and they have a valid insurance. Those vehicles do not have to meet the French safety and environment standards.

What conditions apply to vehicles imported temporarily by tourists?

they cannot be used by French residents;

they must be for your personal use and should in no way be sold, rented or otherwise disposed of in France;

temporary admission is granted for a period of six months starting from your arrival in the country;

all such vehicles must be exported when the six-month time limit has expired.

Note: repairs carried out on the vehicle in France are liable to VAT (non-refundable).