Do I have to declare medical device at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare medical device 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 medical device 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 medical device out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking medical device out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for medical device 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 Importer ou exporter des dispositifs médicaux. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les dispositifs médicaux sont des marchandises soumises à restriction au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes, contrôlées à l'importation et à l’exportation.”

How does France compare with other countries on medical device?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medical device, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

How much Medical device can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Medical device into France only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Importer ou exporter des dispositifs médicaux Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects
Franchises douanières et fiscales en quantités et en valeurs Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Medical device in France

Do I have to declare medical device at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medical device 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 medical device 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 medical device out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking medical device out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for medical device 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 Importer ou exporter des dispositifs médicaux. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les dispositifs médicaux sont des marchandises soumises à restriction au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes, contrôlées à l'importation et à l’exportation.”
How does France compare with other countries on medical device?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medical device, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

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