What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control 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 food, plant and animal products under agency control 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: “Toutefois, leur introduction sur le territoire français est strictement encadrée.”

How does France compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Food, plant and animal products under agency control can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Food, plant and animal products under agency control into France only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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 Food, plant and animal products under agency control in France

Do I have to declare food, plant and animal products under agency control at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control 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 food, plant and animal products under agency control 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 food, plant and animal products under agency control out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking food, plant and animal products under agency control out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for food, plant and animal products under agency control 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: “Toutefois, leur introduction sur le territoire français est strictement encadrée.”
How does France compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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