Do I have to declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at France customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 Calcul des droits et taxes sur les achats à l'étranger. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

How much Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty can I bring into France?

Allowed

You can bring Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty into France without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 700 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 700 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Calcul des droits et taxes sur les achats à l'étranger Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty in France

How much goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty can I bring into France?: France publishes no quantity limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at France customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 Calcul des droits et taxes sur les achats à l'étranger. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 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

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Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods