We know that many products are prohibited for import. This is particularly the case for illegal products. Others are subject to strict controls and sometimes require authorization to be able to bring them back to France. In order not to encounter any problems when you return from vacation, Ici Paris offers you a non-exhaustive list of everything that you cannot bring back to France.
plants and animals
Wild species threatened with extinction, such as corals, shells, birds or certain plants cannot be brought back to France. Pebbles, sand, volcanic rocks, seeds and parts of dead animals (teeth, shells, skins, etc.) are also prohibited from importation.
For other plants, request a phytosanitary certificate from the veterinary and phytosanitary border inspection service (SIVEP), whether you come from the EU or not.
Finally, you can bring a cat or dog from abroad, but entry requirements vary depending on the country of origin of the animal and the health situation.
Good to know : attack dogs are prohibited when they are not registered in a genealogical book recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture!
Valuables
By plane and by ship, you cannot transport items over 430 euros. If you are traveling with your computer or your jewelry, we advise you to opt for a free movement card, which constitutes a passport for your goods and facilitates customs clearance.
food
The import of food of animal origin and dairy products is also strictly prohibited. Other products intended for consumption are limited according to your destination.
Are you from a member state of the European Union? You can bring back almost all the food products intended for consumption.
Are you from a country outside the European Union? Depending on the country of origin, the rules vary. Under certain conditions, fishery products are authorized, up to a limit of 20 kg. Other products of animal origin (honey, milk, snails) are limited to 2 kg.
Good to know : bananas, durian, coconuts, dates and pineapples are the only fruits that can enter France without quantity limit.
Works of art and antiques
Works of art and antiques must be declared to customs in the country of origin in order to obtain an exit permit. The remains of historical sites are totally prohibited.
Substances considered hazardous to health
In France, many substances considered dangerous are prohibited for import. This is particularly the case for lead salts (imitation pearls), nickel (jewellery, fasteners, buttons), bisphenol A (baby bottles, toys) or even products containing asbestos.
More information here
Counterfeits
Perfumes, toys or even clothes… Many counterfeit products are found every year by French customs. However, these products are strictly prohibited and can put you in danger. In case of control, the objects will be confiscated and you will have to pay a fine, which can amount to twice the price of the products in store.
Tobacco and alcohol
If you come from a European Union country, you are entitled to bring back 4 cartons of cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars and 1 kg of rolling tobacco. Regarding alcohol and spirits, you are limited to 10 liters per person. For other alcoholic beverages, the quantities vary: wines are limited to 90l, while beers are limited to 110l.
On the other hand, if you come from a country that is not part of the European Union, you will be limited to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars and 250 grams of rolling tobacco. The quantities of alcohol are very limited: you can only bring back one liter of alcohol over 22°, 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer.
Practical notebook
Where to go? Infos Douane Service, 0 800 94 40 40 or via this contact form.
LR