Do I have to declare knives and bladed weapons at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 importez des armes depuis un pays tiers à l'UE, un COM (hors Saint-Martin) ou la Nouvelle-Calédonie. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?

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

How much Knives and bladed weapons can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Knives and bladed weapons 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
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 importez des armes depuis un pays tiers à l'UE, un COM (hors Saint-Martin) ou la Nouvelle-Calédonie Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects
Vous résidez dans un pays tiers à l'UE et voyagez en France avec des armes Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Knives and bladed weapons in France

Do I have to declare knives and bladed weapons at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 importez des armes depuis un pays tiers à l'UE, un COM (hors Saint-Martin) ou la Nouvelle-Calédonie. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit knives and bladed weapons, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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