Do I have to declare food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 Importer des compléments alimentaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les compléments alimentaires sont des marchandises soumises à restriction au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes, contrôlées à l'importation.”

How does France compare with other countries on food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements, 15 limit it and 4 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements to France?

Official classification: Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement

Restricted

You can bring food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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

Importer des compléments alimentaires Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements in France

Do I have to declare food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements 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 Importer des compléments alimentaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Les compléments alimentaires sont des marchandises soumises à restriction au titre de l'article 38 du code des douanes, contrôlées à l'importation.”
How does France compare with other countries on food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit food, medicine, cosmetics and supplements, 15 limit it and 4 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

Related countries

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Quick facts

Jurisdiction: France
Travel mode: Rail

Freshness

Last verified: 2026-09-19
Next review: 2026-12-18

Destination

FR France

All France rules

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