What happens if I do not declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Voyage à l’étranger : quels aliments peut-on transporter dans sa valise ?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Vous devez déclarer et présenter à la douane les produits d’origine animale contenus dans vos bagages et respecter les seuils de quantités applicables.”

How does France compare with other countries on animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products, 19 limit it and 1 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products can I bring into France?

Declare

You can bring Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products into France, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Voyage à l’étranger : quels aliments peut-on transporter dans sa valise ? Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects

Questions about Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products in France

Do I have to declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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.
Can I take animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 Voyage à l’étranger : quels aliments peut-on transporter dans sa valise ?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Vous devez déclarer et présenter à la douane les produits d’origine animale contenus dans vos bagages et respecter les seuils de quantités applicables.”
How does France compare with other countries on animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products, 19 limit it and 1 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

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables