Moving to France - Moving of Animals & Plants

Domestic Carnivores

Private individuals may enter French territory accompanied by cats and dogs, not destined for sale, which are over three months of age, up to a limit of three animals, of which at most one is a young animal (3 to 6 months), provided that a vaccination certificate is produced that identifies the animal exactly (tattooed number or microchip).

In cases in which the animals come from countries that have been free from rabies for over three years and they are not vaccinated against rabies, the anti-rabies vaccination certificate may be replaced by a certificate stating that the animal comes from a country that has been free from rabies for over three years and that it has lived in this country for more than six months or since birth. In cases that do not comply with these conditions, travellers are obliged to obtain a special derogation from the Ministry of Agriculture (animal protection bureau).

N.B.: absolute ban on the importation and introduction into the national territory of personal protection and guard dogs. These are dogs which because of their morphological features are similar to Staffordshire Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers (commonly known as “pit bull terriers”), Mastiff and Boerbulls, and Tosca, and which are not registered in a genealogical book recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Other Animals

Please contact the Ministry of Agriculture to find out about the health conditions and exemptions authorised in the case of other species.

Plants and Plant Products

Some plants and plant products are subject to plant health controls when imported into Community territory.

Contact the Ministry of Agriculture (Subdirectorate for Plant Quality and Protection).

Foodstuffs of Animal Origin

Foodstuffs of animal origin must comply with certain health requirements and be checked, upon importation, at a border inspection post.
Contact the Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate General for Foodstuffs).

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.