Body Armour → France

Body Armour restricted; documentation or permits may apply

Details

Body Armour restricted; documentation or permits may apply. Documentation: Check destination requirements. Enforcement in France carries fines from EUR 250 to EUR 5,000 under Code des douanes Art. 411, Art. 412 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Restricted status means compliant carriage is achievable with the right paperwork and quantities; the practical risks are seizure, duty, and delay rather than criminal liability for a good-faith traveller. Arrival checks are carried out by Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI — French Customs); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving France with body armour is a separate question: restricted — Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from France above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.

Documentation required

• Check destination requirements

Leaving with this item

Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from France above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.

Practical advice

France restricts import of Body Armour to specific licensed categories. Both origin export and destination import permits are required — typically obtained in advance with 4-12 weeks lead time. Verify the specific category classification at the destination Ministry of Interior or National Police portal.

Customs authority

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI — French Customs) · https://www.douane.gouv.fr