What are the formalities for importing pets into France?

Pet animals imported from countries outside the European Union must be declared and presented to customs for documentary and identity checks, before they can be admitted to the territory of the European Union. Importing an animal without declaration may result in a fine or even confiscation of the animal.

Moreover, the person accompanying the animal is either the owner or a natural person who assumes responsibility for it on behalf of the owner.

General framework

To be able to be imported into French territory, ornamental fish, amphibians and pet invertebrates must be accompanied by an accompanying document conforming to the model of the annex 27of the order of July 19, 2002signed by a practicing veterinarian (veterinarian authorized to practice veterinary medicine).

Up to 5 specimens

For the importation of pets into France, within the limit of 5 specimens, and not of a commercial nature, it is sufficient to go through the customs services control. It should be remembered that only aquatic animals such as ornamental fish, amphibians and invertebrates (except crustaceans) which accompany a traveler are considered “pet animals” within the meaning of veterinary regulations and are therefore concerned by this tolerance.

More than 5 specimens

For the importation of pets into France, of more than 5 specimens, it is the veterinary services which are responsible for the control of these animals in a post border inspection (the list of BIPs appears in annex 1 of the decree of May 18, 2009). At the end of this veterinary control, the veterinary inspector issues a control certificate called a common veterinary entry document (DVCE) attesting to the health conformity of the goods which must be presented in support of any customs declaration, including transit so that the latter is deemed admissible.

When the above-mentioned health conditions are not respected, in application of articles L.236-9 and L.236-10 of the rural code, the agents responsible for controls may prescribe, at the expense of the owner, the reshipment of the animal to the third country of origin, its quarantine or its euthanasia.

Special cases: protected species

Special conditions and restrictions are applicable to animals of protected species, in particular under the Washington Convention - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Similarly, specific conditions exist for the introduction of these animals into other Member States of the European Union. You should contact the Embassy of these countries in the third country of residence.