Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Consumer Drone → France
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-04-25
DGAC registration required; strict rules in Paris
Details
France's Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) regulates drones under EU Implementing Regulation 2019/947. Personal-use drones under 250g require no registration; 250g-25kg drones require operator registration with DGAC and a commercial / open-category certificate. Travelers may import personal-use drones without permit; lithium-battery limits per IATA Doc 9284 apply. Unauthorised flight near aerodromes / Defense areas: EUR 75,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment.
Quantity limit
With DGAC registration and EU certificate
Documentation required
- DGAC/EU drone registration
- EU drone pilot certificate
Legal reference
EU Regulation 2019/947, French Aviation Code
IATA dangerous goods
Consumer Drone is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.
Practical advice
Register before flying. Central Paris is almost entirely a no-fly zone. Most tourist landmarks are restricted.
Customs authority
Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI — French Customs) · https://www.douane.gouv.fr