Do I have to declare non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines at France customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 3 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les quantités de médicaments que vous pouvez transporter ne doivent pas excéder un usage personnel.”

How does France compare with other countries on non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines, 7 limit it and 13 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

How much Non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines into France only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 3 piece

What you need to know

3 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-16

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

Questions about Non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines in France

How many non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines can I bring into France?: France allows 3 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines at France customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 3 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines 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 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les quantités de médicaments que vous pouvez transporter ne doivent pas excéder un usage personnel.”
How does France compare with other countries on non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medicines, 7 limit it and 13 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

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Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances