France Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated November 3, 2019

In order to enter France, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of France government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the France, and which items need special documentation before exporting to France.

Import restrictions

Senders should determine import restrictions from French authorities before posting

Alcohol
Animals and animal products
Anti-parasite products
Bees, honey and waxes
Baby’s comforters
Books and publications
Cereals
Contraceptives
Electric blankets
Fertilizers
Foodstuffs, prepared
Fruit
Gemstones
Helmets, motorcycle
Instruments, measuring
Jewellery, imitation
Leeches
Medicines
Metals, precious
Narcotics
Pearls and precious stones
Plants and parts of plants
Radio elements
Roots and bulbs
Rubber articles
Seeds
Syringes and needles
Television receivers
Terminal equipment
Tobacco
Toys, games and sports requisites
Wadding, felt, woven fabrics
Wood and articles of wood
War material
Weapons.

For ECI and EPI articles going to Andorra, French Guiana, Reunion and Monaco EDN’s and export permits are required for:

Kangaroo skins
Crocodile skins
Emu oil
Fish oil
Bunker oil
Coal
Petroleum bases products
Tobacco and tobacco products
Any other alcohol including beer and spirits all volumes.

Special documentation

Invoices

Commercial goods that exceed a value of 76 Euros require an invoice.

Gifts

Gifts do not require an invoice. Mark the address side of gifts envoi isole gratuit.

Customs declarations

Customs declarations must contain sufficient information for the application of duties and controls. France grants duty-exemption to up to 23 Euros.

ECI and EPI articles

For ECI and EPI articles going to Andorra, French Guiana, Reunion and Monaco the sender and receiver details must be addressed with a valid street address in English. A Post Office Box address is not acceptable.

The sender is responsible for finding if the destination country may impose duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees that may be applied on the item that is being sent. Please contact the consulate office of the country you are sending to or contact the ECI customer contact centre on 1800 007 678.

Prohibitions

In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, France prohibits: