Customs

Traveling in Europe: what are the rules to follow when you bring back alcohol or tobacco?

Publié le 15 juillet 2025 - Mise à jour le 12 août 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

You are leaving soon in Italy and you want to return to France with some bottles of limoncello ? You bought several cartons of cigarettes in Spain? Public Service presents you with information you need to know about customs.

Illustration
Image 1Crédits: Yakobchuk Olena - stock.adobe.com

You can bring back to France alcohol or tobacco purchased in a country of the "EU, if these products are intended for your personal consumption.

To determine whether alcohol or tobacco is for your personal or commercial use, customs takes into account a set of factors. Since 29 March 2024, the demonstration of the commercial character of a cross-border purchase of tobacco or alcohol is no longer based solely on the quantity transported.

Customs officers may consider, among other things:

  • your situation (individual or professional);
  • the reasons why you are transporting these products;
  • the nature of the products;
  • the quantity transported;
  • the way the products are packaged.

You can find all the criteria and conditions on the Public Service Bring back tobacco from the foreigner and Bring back alcohol from the foreigner. 

Please note

If you need information on customs formalities, please contact « Service Customs Information » on 0 800 94 40 40 (toll-free service and call), or on + 33 1 72 40 78 50 (from overseas or foreigner).

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