Bringing Alcohol Back to France? It Sounds Like Taking Coals to Newcastle…
At first glance, it might seem a bit like taking coals to Newcastle. After all, why would anyone want to bring alcohol back to France—a country renowned for its wines, champagne and spirits?
But there are plenty of exceptions. Perhaps you’ve fallen in love with an authentic bottle of Italian limoncello, picked up a craft gin in Spain, or discovered a local beer in Belgium that simply isn’t available at home. And if you’re a smoker, you may well have noticed that cigarettes are considerably cheaper in some neighbouring countries.
Before you fill the boot of the car or squeeze a few extra bottles into your suitcase, it’s worth remembering that customs rules still apply—even when travelling within the European Union.
It’s Not Just About the Quantity
Since 29 March 2024, French customs have changed the way they assess alcohol, tobacco and certain energy products brought into the country from another EU member state.
Previously, the quantities you were carrying were often the deciding factor in determining whether purchases were for personal use or commercial resale. Today, customs officers look at the bigger picture. The amount you carry still matters, but it is only one of several factors they consider.
Tobacco: There Are Reference Limits
If you’re returning to France with cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco or heated tobacco products, there are reference quantities published by French customs.
These are not strict legal limits, but guidelines. Exceeding them doesn’t automatically mean you’re breaking the law, nor does staying below them guarantee you’ll avoid questions. Customs officers may also consider factors such as how the goods are packaged, how often you cross the border, and whether there is any indication that the products are intended for resale.
The Same Applies to Alcohol
The rules are similar for alcoholic drinks, including:
- Spirits
- Fortified wines
- Wine
- Beer
- Sparkling wine
Again, the published quantities are intended as reference thresholds rather than absolute limits. If the alcohol appears to be for your own consumption—or perhaps to share with family and friends—you are unlikely to encounter any problems. However, transporting unusually large quantities could prompt customs to ask a few questions.
Don’t Forget the Cash Rules
One regulation that often catches travellers by surprise concerns cash.
If you’re travelling into or out of France within the European Union carrying €10,000 or more, you must declare it to the authorities—even if the money doesn’t belong to you.
Some Goods Are Restricted—or Prohibited
Alcohol and tobacco aren’t the only products subject to customs controls.
Certain items, including medicines, food products, firearms, works of art and pets, may only be transported under specific conditions. Others, such as illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and protected endangered species, are strictly prohibited.
A Final Point
These rules apply to travel between France and most European Union countries. However, they do not apply to journeys involving the French overseas territories, the Channel Islands, the Canary Islands, Andorra, Monaco or Switzerland, all of which have their own customs arrangements.
So yes, bringing alcohol back to France might seem a little unusual. But if it’s that memorable bottle of limoncello from the Amalfi Coast or a local speciality you simply can’t buy at home, it’s perfectly understandable. Just make sure you stay within the customs rules, and you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises when you get back.
Reference Quantities
The figures may surprise many travellers. They are considerably higher than most people imagine, although customs officers can still investigate if they believe the goods are intended for resale rather than personal use.
For the latest reference quantities and full customs guidance, visit the official websites below which provide up-to-date information on bringing tobacco and alcohol into France.
- Tobacco brought back from abroad:
Bringing Tobacco into France - Alcohol brought back from abroad:
Bringing Alcohol into France
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