Coral & Seashells → France

Coral & Seashells restricted; documentation or permits may apply

Details

Coral & Seashells 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 coral & seashells is a separate question: restricted — Corals are CITES-listed — taking coral out of France requires permits, while ordinary non-protected seashells move freely in small quantities.

Documentation required

• Check destination requirements

Leaving with this item

Corals are CITES-listed — taking coral out of France requires permits, while ordinary non-protected seashells move freely in small quantities.

Practical advice

France restricts import of Coral & Seashells. Cultural-property protection is bilateral: both origin export rules and destination import rules apply. Carry provenance documentation demonstrating lawful acquisition and (where applicable) origin-country export licence. Museum-loan and dealer-import categories operate under separate frameworks with pre-approved dealer registration.

Customs authority

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