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France - Forbidden and restricted imports

Some items  need a special authorization in order to be brought into the country. Such is the case for weapons, endangered animals, some foods and certain drugs. As this is an area where changes are common, it's best to refer directly to the sources to have the latest and correct information (website from the France Embassy:

www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/customs/cover2.asp

or the french customs website:

www.douane.gouv.fr/Listetheme.asp?cusnum=566)

In some cases you can rely on the assistance of the moving company to obtain the necessary authorizations, but you may also encounter a shipping agent that will flat out refuse to ship these items together with your household stuff.

  • Ministry of Ecology and Development
    20 avenue Ségur
    Paris
    France
    Tel : + 33 (0)1 4219 2021
  • Ministry of  Agriculture
    78, rue Varenne
    Paris 7ème
    France
    Tel : + 33 (0)1 4955 4955
    Food, fishing and agriculture. Subdirectorate for the protection of plants
  • French Agency of medical safety
    153 boulevard Anatole France
    St Denis
    93000
    France
    Tel : + 33 (0)1 5587 3000

Forbidden or restricted items

  • Plants, crop products and food products of animal origin
  • Narcotics and psychotropic drugs
  • Food
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Endangered Species

You need a special authorization if you want to import any products from endangered species (feathers, shells, cuttings) and present an import licence to CITES (convention of Washington), which you obtain from the regional direction of environment (DIREN).

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