Do I have to declare cultural property export licensing at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare cultural property export licensing 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 cultural property export licensing 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 cultural property export licensing out of France?

Yes. France publishes no limit on taking cultural property export licensing out.

Does the France limit for cultural property export licensing 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 Exporter des biens culturels. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on cultural property export licensing?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural property export licensing, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cultural property export licensing can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Cultural property export licensing 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
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Exporter des biens culturels Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (France)
Voyager avec des biens culturels : bases légales ou réglementaires Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects

Questions about Cultural property export licensing in France

Do I have to declare cultural property export licensing at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare cultural property export licensing 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 cultural property export licensing 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 cultural property export licensing out of France?: Yes. France publishes no limit on taking cultural property export licensing out.
Does the France limit for cultural property export licensing 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 Exporter des biens culturels. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on cultural property export licensing?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural property export licensing, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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