Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les flux transfrontaliers de matériels de guerre, ainsi que d’armes, munitions et leurs éléments sont prohibés.”

How does France compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into France only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in France

Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les flux transfrontaliers de matériels de guerre, ainsi que d’armes, munitions et leurs éléments sont prohibés.”
How does France compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China Germany

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks