Do I have to declare goods banned by law at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for goods banned by law 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 Situation : Armes, matériels de guerre et explosifs. 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, d’armes, de munitions et leurs éléments, ainsi que de produits explosifs et d'articles pyrotechniques sont prohibés.”

How does France compare with other countries on goods banned by law?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

How much Goods banned by law can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Goods banned by law 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

Situation : Armes, matériels de guerre et explosifs Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects

Questions about Goods banned by law in France

Do I have to declare goods banned by law at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for goods banned by law 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 Situation : Armes, matériels de guerre et explosifs. 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, d’armes, de munitions et leurs éléments, ainsi que de produits explosifs et d'articles pyrotechniques sont prohibés.”
How does France compare with other countries on goods banned by law?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

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