What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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

Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in France

Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at France customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to France customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Voyager avec des armes : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. France is among the strictest.

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