How much Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into France?
Restricted
You can bring Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) into France only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- 2.5 kilogram (5.51 lb)
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (DGAC), Ministère chargé des Transports
Questions about Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in France
- How much dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into France?
- France allows 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at France customs?
- Only above the allowance. Up to 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
- What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of France?
- France publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the France limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
- How does France compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — Vous rapportez du tabac, de l'alcool ou d'autres marchandises achetées hors de l'Union européenne · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — france postOrCourier · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) — AIRBAG – Articles interdits ou réglementés dans les bagages: Accueil > Aliments > Conservation > Glace carbonique · verified 2026-09-19