Do I have to declare plants and plant products at France customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare plants and plant 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 plants and plant 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 plants and plant products out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking plants and plant products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for plants and plant 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 Démarche : Vous rapportez des végétaux, fruits et légumes en provenance d'un pays non membre de l’Union européenne ou en provenance des DROM. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on plants and plant products?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit plants and plant products, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Plants and plant products can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Plants and plant products 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

Démarche : Vous rapportez des végétaux, fruits et légumes en provenance d'un pays non membre de l’Union européenne ou en provenance des DROM Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Plants and plant products in France

Do I have to declare plants and plant products at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare plants and plant 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 plants and plant 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 plants and plant products out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking plants and plant products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for plants and plant 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 Démarche : Vous rapportez des végétaux, fruits et légumes en provenance d'un pays non membre de l’Union européenne ou en provenance des DROM. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on plants and plant products?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit plants and plant products, 21 limit it and 0 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) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control