Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 : Importer des produits cosmétiques. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les produits cosmétiques sont des marchandises soumises à restrictions au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes.”

How does France compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use cosmetics (each item) can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Personal-use cosmetics (each item) into France only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

Démarche : Importer des produits cosmétiques Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Personal-use cosmetics (each item) in France

Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 : Importer des produits cosmétiques. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les produits cosmétiques sont des marchandises soumises à restrictions au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes.”
How does France compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

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 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