English
The introduction of medicines into France by private individuals
Medical drugs for personal use may be imported in a suffi cient quantity for 3 months of treatment without prescription (or more than 3 months of treatment with a prescription), provided they are carried in your luggage.
A prescription is mandatory for medical drugs with norcotic and psychotropic ingredients.
Note: importation of quantities exceeding the limits set for personal use is prohibited.
What is the subject of the notice?
The subject of this notice is to supply information about the introduction into France of medicines with human usage by private individuals.
What is the definition of the medicine?
Article L 5111-1 of the French Health Code defines as medicine, any substance or composition presented as possessing curative or preventive properties towards human or animal diseases, as well as any product which can be administered to man or to animal to establish a medical diagnosis or restore, correct or modify their organic functions.
Who enforces the regulation?
In France, the Ministry of Health enforces the regulations relative to medicines.
You can obtain information about the transport of medicines from abroad from:
Ministère des Affaires sociales et de la Santé
14, avenue Duquesne
75350 PARIS 07 SP
Tél : +33 (0)1 40 56 60 00
What is the role of customs?
What is the role of customs?
Customs participates in the control of the enforcement of the regulation.
What is the regime of import into France of medicines by a private individual?
When medicines are transported by travellers for their personal use, the conditions of import are as follows:
Origin
No narcotics and non psychotropic medicines
Narcotics or psychotropic medicine
Third country to the European Union
Principle: the transported quantity corresponds to the duration of the treatment or, to three months of treatment.
Principle: the transported quantity corresponds to the duration of the treatment.
Documentary evidence: the medical prescription systematically presented to customs.
Country of the European Union outside Schengen (UK)
As above
As above
European country within Schengen area
As above
Principle: the transported quantity is in connection with a personal use.
Documentary evidence: administrative medical certificate.
If the transported quantities exceed the personal use, the import is prohibited.
If medicines are sent by mail: it is necessary to obtain a license from the French Agency of sanitary safety of health products (ANSM).
It is reminded that this information does not apply to commercial operations. In such a case, it is necessary to obtain an import license from the ANSM or a certified copy of the marketing licence, at the following address:
Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM)
143-147, Boulevard Anatole France
93285 Saint-Denis Cedex
Tél : +33 (0)1 55.87.30.00
Fax : +33 (0)1 55.87.30.12
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can anyone bring medicines for the treatment of a third party being in France (example: relative, child)?
R: Yes
Q: What are the authorized quantities?
R: A quantity amounting up to three months of treatment.
Q: Can anyone bring drug or psychotropic medicines?
R: Yes, if their nature of medicine is established and that they are prescribed by a medical authority within the framework of a precise therapeutic treatment.
Page mise à jour le 24/04/2013 par IDS