Do I have to declare gifts and personal goods at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare gifts and personal goods 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 gifts and personal goods 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 gifts and personal goods out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking gifts and personal goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for gifts and personal goods 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 Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16.

Does the France rule for gifts and personal goods depend on how I arrive?

Yes. This allowance is written for arrival by Air, Sea.

How does France compare with other countries on gifts and personal goods?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts and personal goods, 14 limit it and 7 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Gifts and personal goods can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Gifts and personal goods into France only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 430 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 EUR
Channels: Arrival duty-free, Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Value cap: 150 EUR
Channels: Arrival duty-free, Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Value cap: 40 EUR
Channels: Arrival duty-free, Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Value cap: 75 EUR
Channels: Arrival duty-free, Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-18

Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Gifts and personal goods in France

How much gifts and personal goods can I bring into France?: France allows 430 EUR 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 gifts and personal goods at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare gifts and personal goods 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 gifts and personal goods 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 gifts and personal goods out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking gifts and personal goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for gifts and personal goods 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 Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16.
Does the France rule for gifts and personal goods depend on how I arrive?: Yes. This allowance is written for arrival by Air, Sea.
How does France compare with other countries on gifts and personal goods?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts and personal goods, 14 limit it and 7 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

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