Do I have to declare scissors at France customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare scissors 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 scissors 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 scissors out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking scissors out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for scissors 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 Qu'est-ce qui est autorisé / interdit en avion ?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Ciseaux, couteaux, objets tranchants.”

How does France compare with other countries on scissors?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit scissors, 12 limit it and 6 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Scissors can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Scissors 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

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Air France	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Qu'est-ce qui est autorisé / interdit en avion ? Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)

Questions about Scissors in France

Do I have to declare scissors at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare scissors 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 scissors 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 scissors out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking scissors out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for scissors 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 Qu'est-ce qui est autorisé / interdit en avion ?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Ciseaux, couteaux, objets tranchants.”
How does France compare with other countries on scissors?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit scissors, 12 limit it and 6 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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