What happens if I do not declare alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) in France?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) to France instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Is there a minimum age for the alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) allowance in France?

Yes — 17 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) at all, not a smaller one.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap), 13 limit it and 6 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) into France only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 430 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) in France

How much alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) can I bring into France?: France allows 430 EUR per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) in France?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) to France instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Is there a minimum age for the alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) allowance in France?: Yes — 17 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) at all, not a smaller one.
Can I take alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap), 13 limit it and 6 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China Germany

Other items in this group

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages up to and including 22% vol Alcoholic beverages (all types) Alcoholic beverages (standard 760 ml bottle) Alcoholic beverages above 12% ABV Alcoholic beverages above 22% ABV