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MOVING TO FRANCE • CALIFORNIA • BAY AREA • IAM MEMBER
Moving company to France from California: CG Moving Company, Inc. coordinates international household goods shipments from the Bay Area and California to France. As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), CG Moving Company works with a vetted IAM agent in France for customs clearance and delivery at the French address. Federal operating authority USDOT 3907428. California intrastate authority CPUC MTR 0190922. City and County of San Francisco approved vendor no. 96965. Free survey and written estimate before any commitment.
International Association of Movers
Federal operating authority
CA intrastate authority
South San Francisco, CA
International move insurance available
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Pacific. Moving to France from California. IAM member. Free survey and estimate before booking.
CG Moving provides international moves from the Bay Area. IAM member. Free survey.
CG Moving Company coordinates moves to France from California for Bay Area residents relocating to Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, and the Amalfi Coast, and other French destinations. International household goods shipments to France are arranged by sea freight from California ports. The IAM agent in France handles customs clearance and delivery at the French address. Every France move begins with a free pre-move survey and a written estimate.
Moving from California to France involves several steps that differ from a domestic move: export packing to international standards, an inventory list for French customs, sea freight booking to a French port (typically Genoa, Livorno, or Naples), French customs clearance, and delivery by the IAM France agent. CG Moving Company handles the California side. The France agent handles the receiving side.
The full international moving hub covering France, France, France, Belgium, England, and other destinations from the Bay Area and California.
Export packing to international shipping standards. Required for all household goods shipments to France from California.
Bay Area residential pickup for France moves. The California side of the France move starts as a standard Bay Area residential move.
Specialty items in France moves: pianos, fine art, antiques, and high-value items needing specialist packing and export documentation.
CG Moving ships household goods from California to France. French customs documentation handled.
CG Moving Company handles the following aspects of a California to France move.
Most California to France moves use sea freight. Full Container Load (FCL) is a dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot container for your household goods alone. Groupage (LCL) means your goods share a container with other shipments. FCL is used for larger households (above approximately 800 cubic feet) and offers faster transit without co-loading. Groupage is more economical for smaller volumes. The recommended shipping method is confirmed in the pre-move survey.
Household goods imported to France from California qualify for duty-free importation (franchise de droits de douane) under EU customs regulations when the importer is establishing primary residence in France. Required documentation includes proof of French residency (a French address confirmation, a carte de séjour application confirmation, or a signed declaration of intent to establish French residence), a valid passport copy, and a detailed itemised inventory of all items in the shipment with descriptions and declared values. The French customs authority (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects, or DGDDI) uses this inventory for the customs declaration.
Household goods from California arriving at France most commonly enter through Le Havre (Normandy), which is the primary Atlantic port for transatlantic shipments to France. Shipments destined for southern France may be routed through Marseille (Mediterranean). The IAM France agent arranges delivery from the French port to the destination address. Le Havre is typically used for shipments to Paris, the north and west of France, and the Brittany and Loire regions. Marseille is used for the French Riviera and south.
All household goods shipped to France from California must be export-packed to international shipping standards. CG Moving Company uses new double-wall cartons, custom crating for fragile or high-value items, and professional furniture wrapping. A room-by-room itemised inventory is created during packing with descriptions and approximate replacement values. This inventory is required for the DGDDI customs declaration and is prepared entirely on the California side.
CG Moving Company picks up at the California address, loads the container or groupage shipment, and coordinates all export documentation with the freight forwarder. The shipment is transported to the California port (typically Oakland or Los Angeles) for loading on the vessel. Transit time from California to Le Havre is typically 18 to 25 days depending on the shipping route and vessel schedule.
The IAM France agent meets the shipment at the French port, clears customs with the DGDDI using the pre-prepared documentation, and arranges delivery to the destination address in France. Standard delivery includes placement in the designated rooms. Unpacking at the French address is available through the IAM France agent. CG Moving Company tracks the shipment and keeps the customer updated throughout.
CG Moving handles every step: pre-move survey, COI, loading, and placement at destination.
A California to France move is coordinated in two stages: the California side, handled by CG Moving Company, and the France side, handled by the IAM agent in France.
1
The survey confirms the household goods volume (cubic feet or cubic meters), the destination city in France, the required delivery timeline, and the customer's French residency status for the DGDDI customs declaration. Volume determines the recommended shipping method (FCL or groupage). The residency documentation determines what paperwork is needed for duty-free importation. The survey is completed in person or remotely.
2
CG Moving Company packs the household goods at the California address, creating a room-by-room itemised inventory with descriptions and approximate replacement values for every item. This inventory is required by the DGDDI for French customs clearance. All goods are packed to international shipping standards. The shipment is loaded and a Bill of Lading is issued by the freight forwarder.
3
The container is transported to the California port and loaded on the vessel. Transit time from California to Le Havre is typically 18 to 25 days. CG Moving Company provides the customer with the vessel name and Bill of Lading number for tracking during transit. The IAM France agent is notified of the expected port arrival date.
4
The IAM France agent receives the shipment at the French port (Le Havre or Marseille), clears customs with the DGDDI, and arranges delivery to the destination address. The customer is notified when customs clearance is complete and given the expected delivery date. The IAM France agent contacts the customer directly for delivery scheduling and any unpacking arrangements.
France move costs depend on shipping weight, container type, and destination region. Free survey.
California to France moving costs are driven by shipment volume, the destination city in France, the shipping method. All are confirmed in the pre-move survey before the estimate is issued.
The primary cost driver. Volume determines whether FCL or groupage is appropriate. A two-bedroom apartment typically ships as groupage; a three-bedroom or larger house typically fills a 20-foot container. Volume is confirmed in the pre-move survey.
Destination City in France and Port of Entry
Barcelona (north-east), Livorno (Tuscany), or Bilbao (north) are the main receiving ports. The destination city in France determines which port is most practical and affects the final delivery distance from port to door.
Marine Insurance, Packing, and Specialty Items
Marine cargo insurance is available and recommended for all California to France shipments. Export packing to international standards is included in the quoted scope. Specialty items (pianos, fine art, antiques) require custom crating and additional documentation and are quoted separately.
Common factors that affect a California to France move estimate:
Shipment volume: determines FCL vs. groupage vs. air freight (quoted in the pre-move survey)
Destination city in France: determines port of entry and final delivery distance from port
French customs (DGDDI): duty-free franchise confirmed when residency documentation is in order
Export packing: included in the California-side quote; required for all shipments to France
Marine cargo insurance: available and recommended for California to France shipments
Specialty items: fine art, pianos, antiques requiring custom crating and additional French customs documentation
CG Moving Company reviews the shipment volume, French destination city, residency status, and specialty items before preparing a written estimate. The estimate covers the California side of the move. France agent charges are confirmed by the France agent separately. No charges are added after the California-side estimate is agreed.
CG Moving has served the Bay Area since 2005. CPUC MTR 0190922. SF vendor 96965.
CG Moving Company, Inc. has coordinated California to France moves for Bay Area residents since 2005. As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), CG Moving Company has access to a vetted IAM agent network in France for customs clearance and delivery at the French address. Founded by Charlie Gonzalez in South San Francisco. Federal authority USDOT 3907428, MC 1441357. CPUC MTR 0190922. SF vendor no. 96965. CA small business cert. no. 1745559. CPUC MBE cert. no. 15050132.
GS-33F-0063X
CAGE 4PAJ1 | SAM.gov
California
State agency procurement
CPUC MTR 0190922
CA DMV MCP 0426662
No. 96965
City and County of San Francisco
USDOT 3907428
MC 1441357
C61/D34 No. 987530
Furniture installation
Call 888-508-7838 to book a free move survey. Written estimate before your move date.
Tell us the origin address in California, the destination city in France, your preferred move-out date, the number of rooms (approximate volume), and your French residency status. Note any specialty items (pianos, fine art, antiques). The survey is completed in person or remotely. France move estimates are confirmed within 48 hours.
CG Moving Company handles the California side: pre-move survey, export packing, itemised inventory for French customs, loading and export documentation, and coordination with the IAM France agent. The France agent handles customs clearance and delivery at the French address. Marine cargo insurance is available and recommended.
Free France Move Survey across San Francisco and the Bay Area
CG Moving serves the full Bay Area. See all locations at /movers-near-me/california
CG Moving Company coordinates California to France moves from any Bay Area or California address. Pre-shipment storage at 1755 Mission Rd, South San Francisco, is available before the France sailing date.
San Francisco
Moves to France coordinated from all SF neighbourhoods. IAM member. USDOT 3907428. Export packing and French customs documentation included. SF vendor no. 96965.
Peninsula / San Mateo County
Moves to France coordinated from South San Francisco, San Mateo, Redwood City, and the Peninsula. CG Moving picks up from any Peninsula address for France shipments.
East Bay
Moves to France coordinated from Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Alameda County. Bay Area pickup for California to France household goods shipments.
Silicon Valley
Moves to France coordinated from San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale. Silicon Valley to France household goods shipments through Bay Area port.
Marin County / North Bay
Moves to France coordinated from San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Marin County. Marin to France household goods shipments.
Common questions about CG Moving services, licensing, COI, and costs answered below.
Sea freight from California to France takes approximately 18 to 25 days on the vessel from a California port (Oakland or Los Angeles) to Le Havre in Normandy. For shipments destined for the south of France, the route through Marseille may add a few days. The total door-to-door timeline from Bay Area pickup to delivery at the French address is typically 6 to 10 weeks, including the pre-shipment preparation in California and the French customs clearance process.
To import household goods to France duty-free (franchise de droits de douane) from California, the importer must be establishing primary residence in France or returning to France after living outside the EU for at least 12 months. Required documents include proof of French residence (a French address confirmation, an application for a carte de séjour, or a signed declaration of intent), a valid passport copy, and a detailed itemised inventory of all items in the shipment with descriptions and declared values for the DGDDI customs authority.
Household goods from California most commonly arrive at Le Havre (Normandy), which is the primary Atlantic port for transatlantic shipments to France and the main gateway for Paris and northern and western France. Shipments destined for the south of France, the French Riviera, or Provence may be routed through Marseille (Mediterranean). The IAM France agent coordinates final delivery from the French port to the home address.
Full Container Load (FCL) is recommended for households above approximately 800 cubic feet (typically three bedrooms or larger). It is a dedicated container for your goods only, with no co-loading and faster customs processing. Groupage (LCL) is more economical for smaller volumes (studio to two-bedroom). The recommended shipping method and a cost comparison are confirmed in the pre-move survey.
The duty-free import of household goods to France requires proof of establishing residence, not necessarily a finalised visa or permit. A signed declaration of intent to establish French residence is generally accepted for the customs declaration. For US citizens, a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) is typically required to live in France. CG Moving Company can advise on the documentation requirements for the California-side export; French immigration and visa advice is outside CG Moving Company’s scope.
EU and French import regulations restrict certain items. Small personal quantities of wine as part of household effects are generally permitted. Commercial quantities are not. Many food products are restricted under EU plant health and food safety regulations. Plants, firearms, and controlled substances are subject to specific import controls. CG Moving Company advises on any known restricted items at the survey stage; the IAM France agent advises on the full French customs restriction list.
Marine cargo insurance is not automatically included but is available and strongly recommended for all California to France shipments. The insurance covers the declared replacement value of the household goods for loss or damage during the sea voyage. The insurance premium and coverage terms are confirmed at the time of the California-side booking.
CG Moving Company sends the IAM France agent the shipment details (itemised inventory, container details, Bill of Lading, and expected port arrival date). The France agent contacts the customer directly for the DGDDI customs clearance process and delivery scheduling. CG Moving Company remains the customer’s California-side contact and provides tracking information during transit. The France agent handles the receiving side at Le Havre or Marseille.
Call 888-508-7838 to book a free move survey. Written estimate before your move date.
Whether you are moving from San Francisco to Paris, from the Peninsula to Lyon, from Silicon Valley to Bordeaux, or from anywhere in California to any French destination, CG Moving Company coordinates the California side of the France move from the pre-move survey through loading and export. The IAM France agent handles customs clearance and delivery at the French address.
CG Moving Company is a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM). Federal operating authority USDOT 3907428, MC 1441357. CPUC MTR 0190922. SF vendor no. 96965. Pre-shipment storage at 1755 Mission Rd. CA small business cert. no. 1745559. CPUC MBE cert. no. 15050132. Every France move starts with a free California-side survey and a written estimate.
International moving services across San Francisco, the Bay Area, and California.
CG Moving Company, Inc.
1755 Mission Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 888-508-7838
CPUC MTR 0190922 | USDOT 3907428 | CSLB C61/D34 No. 987530 | GSA GS-33F-0063X
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Pacific. After-hours and weekend international moving services scheduled on request.