What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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.

Does the France limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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

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 Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) in France

Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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