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IN BRIEF
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Are you planning to travel around the world or simply take a trip within Europe? Before filling your bags to the brim with fine alcohol, prized tobacco, or the latest electronic gadgets, it is essential to know the customs limits in force for 2025. The rules can be confusing, especially when the allowed thresholds vary by product and country of origin. Whether you are returning from an European Union country or beyond its borders, do not let the word “confiscated” be part of your return! Get ready to travel light, and legally.
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Traveling is always a great adventure, but it can quickly become a headache when it comes to knowing what is allowed to be brought back to France. In 2025, the rules regarding the importation of alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods, and electronic devices are stricter than ever. This article will guide you through the limits imposed by French customs to prevent any unpleasant surprises upon your return to France.
Limits for bringing back alcohol #
The rules on alcohol importation vary depending on whether you are returning from an EU country or a third country. If you are coming from the European Union, you can bring back up to 10 liters of spirits over 22°, 20 liters of alcohol under 22°, 90 liters of wine, of which 60 liters maximum of sparkling wine, and finally 110 liters of beer. It is important to ensure that labels remain readable to facilitate the identification of the product’s origin.
On the other hand, if you are returning from a non-EU country, the limits are much stricter: you are only allowed to import 1 liter of alcohol over 22° or 2 liters of alcohol under 22°. For wine, the allowance is limited to 4 liters, and for beer to 16 liters. Beyond these limits, you will need to declare your purchases and pay the duties and taxes required by customs.
Limits for bringing back tobacco #
When you travel with tobacco, the rules also differ depending on your country of origin. When returning from an EU country, you can bring back up to 800 cigarettes (or 4 cartons), 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1 kg of smoking tobacco. These quantities serve as indicators to determine if the purchases are intended for personal use.
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If you are coming from a country outside Europe, you will only be allowed to bring back 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 g of smoking tobacco per adult. Travelers under 17 years of age are not allowed to bring tobacco. In case of excess, the products will be confiscated, and a fine may be imposed.
Limits for bringing back luxury goods #
For luxury goods, such as jewelry, watches, or fashion items, the rules are a bit more flexible within the European Union. You can bring back valuable items without limit on number or type, as long as you can prove that they were legally purchased in an EU country, with proof of purchase to support your claim.
However, when returning from outside Europe, the duty-free allowance is set at 430 euros per person if you are traveling by plane or boat, and 300 euros for other means of transport. If you exceed this value, you may have to pay customs duties depending on the nature of the imported products, as well as the 20% VAT and possibly a luxury goods tax.
Limits for bringing back electronic devices #
Electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets, are subject to the same rules as other luxury goods. Coming from the European Union, you can bring them back without limit, as long as you can prove their purchase with receipts. However, if you are coming from a third country, they will be included in the 430 euros allowance per person, provided you can provide proof of purchase.
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It is important to keep all your receipts and invoices, as this can save you trouble during customs checks. If you exceed the allowance, customs duties and VAT will also apply.
At customs: good practices #
Upon your arrival in France, be prepared to demonstrate the origin of your goods. Have your invoices and receipts ready and use the customs app to calculate any duties to be paid. If you are carrying goods that exceed the allowances, present them voluntarily at the customs control.
The agents are trained to assess the quantities and values of the products brought back. Payment of duties is usually made by credit card or in cash. In case of disagreement on the amount, it is possible to request a recalculation or to submit a claim.
