French customs attitude to goods bought in Spain Forums

RogerMillar

Hopefully somebody can confirm/deny a rumour that we have just heard that French Customs have decreed limits to goods bought in other EU countries and are in transit through France. As we are just about to leave Spain 'fully laden' for the ferry at Calais, this could be bad, very bad, news.

I thought that this had all been sorted and there is now no limit, within reason, on the import of goods bought in any EU country for personal use. However, there is a rumour out here that the French Customs have decreed limits to goods in transit - OK if the 'stuff' was bought in France! Seemingly ferry from Spain direct to UK is OK 'but' from a French Port - problems.

Having seen the French Douane searching Brits on Aires on many occasions, I'm obviously a bit worried if this rumour is true and would appreciate any experiences from others in case I have missed something in the 6 months away.

Hopefully just a nasty rumour, my liver would not make it back if I've got to drink all this stuff within two weeks, might save a bit in diesel though.

Cheers, Roger

Zebedee · Last edited by Zebedee on Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hi Roger

motorhomer2

I would be very unahappy if the customs wanted to search my vehicle while on an aire. After all they might not be who they say they are. I would wonder about being robbed etc

Motorhomer.

olley · Campsite DB Admin

Hi Roger, we have been stopped twice, each time in an aire, the searches wern't very thorough, the first time after seeing the cat they didn't even come in but spent five minutes stroking it. So maybe get a cat?? Laughing

They did turf everybody of a coach next to us and went through that, no idea if they confiscated anything.

Olley

whistlinggypsy

Our son's brother in law had all but the FRENCH limit of rolling tobaco and ciggies he bought from Tabacco Road, Adenkerke only 2 weeks ago, and was very lucky to escape without the seizure of the car and a heavy fine.

He was greatly over the French limit but close (but still over) the UK recommened limits.

The UK limits are not legal limits but recommened ones but if you are silly enough to try and bring back 10,000 cigs and 20Kg. of rolling baccy then that too me is not for your own consumption Wink

The recommended UK limits are 800 cigs p.p and 3Kg p.p. for rolling tobacco

On our return from our winter trip we did this time stick very close to the French allowance as i do not want my m/h impounded or a hefty fine.

Too get around the French limits, buy your allowance in France and yes i know it's a little more expensive but far safer.

Bob

RogerMillar

Thanks Zebedee - good job we have learned not to shoot the messenger!

Looks like the limit on spirits is 10 litres, assuming that that is for each of us, it still makes a lot of drinking in the next few days and then a stop at a French Carrefour en route. France is a lovely country, mostly lovely people but they know how to zap us Brits (especially a jock and his scotch).

On the subject of the Douane searches, they do wear uniforms and use marked cars

Roger (now 100% depressed)

ronij

At the beginning of March after a few weeks in Portugal we were north of Rouen on the motorway when a customs officer on a motorbike pulled in front of us and indicated that we were to follow him. We were escorted off of the motorway to a customs establishment where lorries were being xrayed. We had to wait in line for our vehicle to be xrayed. Some rather stroppy (I am sorry to say female) officers wouldn't tell us what it was about. However just before it way our turn a more helpful officer gave us a notice in English about the procedure, he was a little surprised it hadn't already been given to us. We then had a chance to remove our cameras, otherwise no doubt the piccies would have been ruined. Still don't know what they were looking for, presumably drugs. Good thing we weren't hurrying for the shuttle as we were delayed by over an hour and it was bitterly cold.
I did read that the French were unable to use this xray machine to look for illegals as permission had to be given! Presume they just want to practise with the machine. We noted that it was mainly British lorries being subjected to this! We were the only motorhome, we must have guilty faces!

bognormike · Moderator

Of course it's no good it you're pulled up by the Gendarmes, who are ready with the rubber gloves, to say that it is illegal under European law to hinder the free movement of goods for personal consumption across borders. This is the same as when the Uk government try to enforce similar rules at Dover; trying to stop the import of large quantities of booze & ciggys by blokes in white vans when it's patently obvious that it's not for their own consumption is a different kettle of fish altogether.
Mad

whistlinggypsy

RogerMillar, i assume that you would not let anyone into your m/h without firstly checking their credentials, this can be done from a open window before you open the door.

The French Douane officers usually do not travel alone they are nearly always in groups of 2 or even more, the vehicles are clearly marked and they will all have the required proof of identification so check carefully before allowing access to the m/h, i certainly would not follow a lone officer like ronij did until i had verified that he was genuine, he could have taken you anywhere.

Do not be afraid of the French authorities they are not out there to harass anyone they are simply doing a job and they will certainly not be offended if you ask for proof before you give them permission to enter your m/h. and if you are not doing anything wrong then you have not got a problem.

Bob