Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 : Vous voyagez avec des spécimens protégés CITES. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products 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
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 : Vous voyagez avec des spécimens protégés CITES Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in France

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 : Vous voyagez avec des spécimens protégés CITES. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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