Customs: how does the traveler check go?
Verified 07 March 2019 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Travelers coming from countries of the European Union or a third country must comply with certain rules, in particular for the transport of goods. They may be subject to customs control.
From Europe
Goods and persons may move freely within the European Union (EU). There are, however, rules to be observed, particularly for the transport of certain goods (money, tobacco, alcohol, protected species...). In addition, customs officers can control goods, people and means of transportation throughout the country. They can also verify the identity of the persons being checked.
Identity checks by customs officers can be carried out in an area close to the border between France and a neighboring country.
It can operate in a wider area, such as on a highway or on a train.
It can also be carried out in a port, airport or station and its surroundings.
The control may concern:
- the traveler (including identity papers),
- baggage and goods,
- his vehicle.
Customs officers are entitled to ask all questions relevant to the conduct of the check (place of origin of the person, goods carried....)
You must comply with the regulations, including:
- from cash transfer,
- import tobacco and alcohol,
- introduction of certain sensitive goods (weapons, endangered wildlife...).
From another country
Customs officers can control goods, persons and conveyances throughout the country. Customs officers may verify the identity of the persons they control and the values or quantities of the products carried. In addition, the entry of certain products into France is strictly regulated or prohibited.
Identity checks by customs officers can be carried out in an area close to the border between France and a neighboring country.
It can operate in a wider area, such as on a highway or on a train.
It can also be carried out in a port, airport or station and its surroundings.
The control may concern:
- the traveler (including identity papers),
- baggage and goods,
- his vehicle.
Customs officers are entitled to ask all questions relevant to the conduct of the check (place of origin of the person, goods carried....)
Traveler from a country outside EU: titleContent must complete a customs declaration and, if necessary, pay duties and taxes:
- if products it carries (for personal use or for resale) exceeds a certain amount
- or if he makes tobacco oralcohol beyond certain quantities,
- or carries money beyond a certain sum.
In case of absence or false declaration, the traveler must pay duties and taxes and any penalties. In addition, goods or money may be seized.
Some goods:
- may enter France only under conditions (plants and plant products, weapons...)
- or prohibited from entering (counterfeit products, drugs...)..
Travelers who transport products prohibited in France commit a customs offense, which is liable to legal proceedings.
- Customs Code: Articles 43 to 45Scope of action of the customs service
- Customs Code: Articles 60 to 63aPowers of customs officers
- Customs Code: Articles 67 to 67-1Customs control
- Customs Code: article 67cTitle control
- Bringing alcohol from abroadService-Public.fr
- Free movement card (goods passport)Ministry of Finance
- All about customs controlsMinistry of Finance
- European Union countriesEuropean Commission
- Traveling by plane: baggage screening at European airportsEuropean Commission