Customs: what products can be taken on a trip outside France?
Verified 06 February 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
If you are about to travel abroad and wish to take with you certain products such as alcohol, tobacco, plants, food products, you must inquire about the conditions to be respected.
Before your departure, it is strongly recommended to inform you about the customs regulations of the country of destination, because it is upon your arrival that you will be subject to controls. For example, although France allows the taking of cold cuts, the United States prohibits the entry of meat products into its territory.
The rules applicable to departure from France are in principle not very restrictive, but it is mainly the rules of the country of destination that determine whether or not a product is authorized to enter its territory.
In addition, the airlines may also have specific regulations concerning the transport of certain products, including pets. It is therefore important to consult these rules before leaving and leaving France.
Category of products | Authorized Products | Conditions and restrictions |
|---|---|---|
Alcohol | Wine, spirits, beer | Different limit depending on your destination country |
Tobacco | Cigar, cigarette, rolling tobacco | Different limit depending on your destination country |
Food products | Non-perishable product Vacuum product, preserved | No particular restrictions Different limit depending on your destination country. Caution: some countries prohibit the import of food products (e.g. non-sterilized foods, such as cheeses or cold cuts). Products of animal and plant origin are particularly regulated in many countries for health reasons. |
Medication | Personal Medication | Medical prescription (prescription from your doctor) required for certain medications. These are those classified as narcotic (example: methadone, morphine,...)) In addition to the prescription, it is recommended to keep the medicines in their packaging during the trip. Quantity limited to personal use |
Plant | Potted plant, seed | No special restrictions. However, some countries require a phytosanitary certificate |
Jewel, watch | Property for personal use, the value of which is less than €10,000 | No particular restrictions In case of high value goods, it is advisable to keep a proof of purchase or ownership |
Cash | Sum less than €10,000 | No particular restrictions |
Valuable object | Proof of purchase or property recommended | |
Electronic apparatus | Computer, mobile phone, camera | No special restrictions. Be careful, however, some countries refuse the entry of electronic devices such as a camcorder, a drone,.... |
Please note
Regarding pets, you must complete health formalities before departure. These formalities vary according to the country of destination (vaccinations, identification, health certificates).
Before leaving France, you need to check the following 3 points:
- Do you have it right to travel with the products you want to take?
- Should these products be declared to French customs at their exit from France ?
- Are these products allowed to enter the country from your destination?
You can inquire at Customs Information Service.
Who shall I contact
To obtain customs information concerning export, import, customs forms, transport and border crossing, exemptions...
By phone
0,800 94 40 40
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm
Toll-free number, price of a local call
Outside metropolitan France or from the foreigner, call +33 1 72 40 78 50
By courier
Access to contact form
You can also contact the consular authorities in France or the customs or tourist services of the country of destination:
Who shall I contact
FYI
It is strongly recommended to consult the section Advice to travelers from the website of the ministry of foreign affairs. You will find information specific to each country.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For any information
To obtain customs information concerning export, import, customs forms, transport and border crossing, exemptions...
By phone
0,800 94 40 40
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm
Toll-free number, price of a local call
Outside metropolitan France or from the foreigner, call +33 1 72 40 78 50
By courier
Access to contact form
To find out about customs formalities before departure abroad
Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France- Customs services in France and Europe
- Veterinary and Phytosanitary Border Inspection Service (VEINS)
Endangering minors
Prohibition of the export of narcotic substances and preparations
Prohibitions on the export of certain products
Ban on the export of counterfeit goods
Counterfeits: criminal sanctions
Export of cultural goods without authorization: criminal sanctions
Authorization to move with a weapon or ammunition for civilian use
Authorization to take weapons and ammunition of war out of UE
Service Public
Service Public
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Duties