Formalities at Customs

For residents of one EU country moving to another, there are no limitations on what can be transported. There are however a few limits imposed, when goods are subject to excise duty. These include:

Alcohol, perfume and tobacco, which are duty free as long as they are for personal use. To ensure that EU citizens comply with this rule, there are certain guidelines concerning the amount of alcohol, perfume and tobacco that you can transport between EU countries. You may be questioned if you bring more than ten litres of spirits, for example.

Animal products like meat and milk: Import by travellers is restricted to one kilo per person. Animal products from a third country must be inspected.

Animals: a valid rabies vaccination is required if you want to take a pet with you to France, and they will need to have either a clear identity marking, or an electronic identification system fitted. They will also need their own passport, which can be obtained from a veterinarian.

Plants: if imported from another EU country, they must be inventoried. For plants from a third country a clearance certificate called a 'phytosanitary attestation' is required. Travellers coming via a third European country or from the Mediterranean may bring a maximum of five plants, or no more than two kilograms of bulbs, tubers and/or roots per person. The import of potatoes or potato tubers from another country is strictly forbidden.

Non-European Union citizens, in addition to proof of identity, need a detailed inventory of all their possessions. You also need documents to justify your stay in France, such as a contract of employment. If you are uncertain which documents you will need, you can contact any customs information centre.