Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at France customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into France?

Allowed

You can bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into France without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not 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

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 Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in France

Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at France customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

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