Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 Restriction de circulation ou interdiction de certaines marchandises. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Chaque opération donne lieu à une autorisation spécifique délivrée par l'ANSM (département stupéfiants et psychotropes), laquelle en garde trace pour établir des statistiques envoyées à l'ONU.”

How does France compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

How much Narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotics and psychotropic substances 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

Restriction de circulation ou interdiction de certaines marchandises Direction générale des Douanes et Droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Narcotics and psychotropic substances in France

Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 Restriction de circulation ou interdiction de certaines marchandises. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Chaque opération donne lieu à une autorisation spécifique délivrée par l'ANSM (département stupéfiants et psychotropes), laquelle en garde trace pour établir des statistiques envoyées à l'ONU.”
How does France compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the strictest.

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