What happens if I do not declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Le transport de médicaments en France par des particuliers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V), 19 limit it and 1 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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

Le transport de médicaments en France par des particuliers Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) in France

Do I have to declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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 Le transport de médicaments en France par des particuliers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V), 19 limit it and 1 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

Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances Narcotic and psychotropic medicines