How many counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into France?

counterfeit and pirated goods may not be brought into France at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at France customs?

There is nothing to declare — counterfeit and pirated goods cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods in France?

The goods are confiscated. If it is treated as smuggling, an administrative fine of 1 times the duty is imposed; it carries between 0 and 3 years of imprisonment.

Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of France?

No. Taking counterfeit and pirated goods out of France is prohibited.

Does the France limit for counterfeit and pirated 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 Infractions douanières en matière de contrefaçon. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “La contrefaçon constitue une violation d'un droit de propriété intellectuelle.”

How does France compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. France is among the strictest.

How much Counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into France?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Counterfeit and pirated goods into France.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier, Sent ahead
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier, Sent ahead

Important

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

If you do not declare

Step 1: Confiscation
Step 2: Administrative fine, Criminal prosecution

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Infractions douanières en matière de contrefaçon Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)
Contrefaçon Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Counterfeit and pirated goods in France

How many counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into France?: counterfeit and pirated goods may not be brought into France at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at France customs?: There is nothing to declare — counterfeit and pirated goods cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods in France?: The goods are confiscated. If it is treated as smuggling, an administrative fine of 1 times the duty is imposed; it carries between 0 and 3 years of imprisonment.
Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of France?: No. Taking counterfeit and pirated goods out of France is prohibited.
Does the France limit for counterfeit and pirated 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 Infractions douanières en matière de contrefaçon. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “La contrefaçon constitue une violation d'un droit de propriété intellectuelle.”
How does France compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. France is among the strictest.

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