French customs allowances at Roissy, Orly and Beauvais
French customs (douane.gouv.fr) sets out the allowances for travellers aged 15 and over arriving from outside the EU (page dated November 2026).
| Item | Allowance (arriving from outside the EU) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes and tobacco | 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 250 g of loose tobacco, or 50 cigars | Types can be mixed in proportion within the same category |
| Still wine | 4 litres | In addition to the other alcohol |
| Beer | 16 litres | In addition to the other alcohol |
| Spirits | 1 litre over 22%, or 2 litres of drinks up to 22% | |
| Other goods | €430 by air or sea, €300 by other transport | €150 under 15, whatever the transport |
| Cash | Declare €10,000 or more | On entering or leaving the EU |
Items above the value allowance are taxed on their full price, and the value of a single item cannot be split across several travellers. Under 17, there is no tobacco or alcohol allowance. Goods within the quantity limits do not count towards the value allowance.
What you cannot bring in
Counterfeits. Fake bags, watches and clothing are banned from entering France in any quantity. The consequence is a seizure, a fine of one to two times the value of the genuine item and, in serious cases, up to three years in prison, according to customs. Amicable settlements are common for small cases. The rules inside Paris are in laws and fines in France.
Meat, sausage and cheese. German customs, whose guidance reflects the EU rules, says meat, milk and the products made from them must meet the same veterinary requirements as commercial imports. French cheese and charcuterie bought in Paris can go to another EU country, but a non-EU country sets its own rules for the way back: check them before buying. Coming in, the listed exceptions are 2 kg of infant food or medical special food in sealed packs, 2 kg of other animal products such as honey, and 20 kg of fish products. Arrivals from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, San Marino and Northern Ireland are outside these rules.
Drugs. Every narcotic is banned in any quantity at the border.
Protected species and cultural goods. Ivory, coral and reptile products need a CITES permit, and antiques leaving the EU need an export licence.
Medicines
The Spanish tax agency, which runs Spanish customs, states the rule this way: medicines are allowed for your own treatment, proved by a prescription or a medical report, and amounts beyond personal use go through the red channel. Keep tablets in their original packs with the label, and carry the prescription or a doctor's letter for strong painkillers, sleeping pills, ADHD medicines and anything containing opioids.
Cash
A declaration is required for €10,000 or more in cash, cheques or equivalent when entering or leaving the EU. Bank transfers are not concerned. Cash that is not declared can be detained.
Vapes and drones
Nicotine liquids and pouches are tobacco-related goods, so quantities should look personal. Paris is a no-fly zone for drones: see drones in Paris.
Before the return flight
Keep receipts for purchases above €430, since customs may estimate the value without them. Wine, cheese, perfume and chocolate are the usual gifts: count the wine and the spirits separately against the limits, and check your home country's rules for cheese. Allowances are personal and cannot be pooled to cover one expensive item.
Stay connected on arrival
An eSIM installed before the flight gives you data as you land at Roissy or Orly. An Airalo eSIM for France is set up by QR code in minutes; the details are in eSIM for Paris. Non-EU visitors should also read ETIAS and EES in 2026. Until 30 November 2026, the code BLACK25 gives 25% off Airalo Unlimited plans.
Frequently asked questions
How much alcohol can I bring into France from outside the EU? 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer, plus 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of drinks up to 22%.
What happens if I bring a fake handbag? It is seized, and a fine of one to two times the value of the original can follow.
Do I have to declare cash? Yes, from €10,000 on entering or leaving the EU.
Is the €430 allowance per person? Yes, per traveller aged 15 or over, and it cannot be pooled for a single item.
The Paris Authority editorial team, 12 November 2026.
