What happens if I do not declare commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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 commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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 Carnet ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) ou e-ATA. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Toutefois, les marchandises devant faire l’objet d’une ouvraison ou d’une réparation ne peuvent être repris sur un carnet ATA ou e-ATA.”

How does France compare with other countries on commercial goods, repair items and company samples?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit commercial goods, repair items and company samples, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Commercial goods, repair items and company samples can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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

Carnet ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) ou e-ATA Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Commercial goods, repair items and company samples in France

Do I have to declare commercial goods, repair items and company samples at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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 commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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 commercial goods, repair items and company samples out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking commercial goods, repair items and company samples out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for commercial goods, repair items and company samples 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 Carnet ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) ou e-ATA. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Toutefois, les marchandises devant faire l’objet d’une ouvraison ou d’une réparation ne peuvent être repris sur un carnet ATA ou e-ATA.”
How does France compare with other countries on commercial goods, repair items and company samples?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit commercial goods, repair items and company samples, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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