Do I have to declare powders and granular substances at France customs?

There is nothing to declare — powders and granular substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare powders and granular 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 powders and granular 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 powders and granular substances out of France?

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

Does the France limit for powders and granular 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 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 powders and granular substances?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

Can I bring powders and granular substances to France?

Official classification: Powders and other granular substances

Prohibited

You cannot bring powders and granular substances into France.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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 Powders and granular substances in France

Can I bring powders and granular substances to France?: powders and granular substances may not be brought into France at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare powders and granular substances at France customs?: There is nothing to declare — powders and granular substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare powders and granular 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 powders and granular 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 powders and granular substances out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking powders and granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for powders and granular 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 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 powders and granular substances?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. France is among the more permissive.

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