Is Benzodiazepines legal in France?
- Legal status
- Controlled as a psychotrope under the Public Health Code
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines are controlled as psychotropes under the Public Health Code; unauthorised use/possession is punishable. Personal use/possession is punishable by up to 1 year's imprisonment and a €3,750 fine (Art L3421-14); since 2019 a first-time minor possession is often dealt with by a €200 fixed fine (amende forfaitaire). Supply/trafficking carries up to 10 years and a €7.5 million fine, rising to 30 years for aggravated/organised offences. Import/export carries up to 10 years and €7.5 million.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed benzodiazepines may be carried with the original prescription plus a Schengen certificate (EU) or, from outside Schengen, an ANSM transport certificate where required (see documentation).
- Documentation
- EU/Schengen travel: carry prescribed narcotics/psychotropics with a Schengen certificate. From outside Schengen: carry the original prescription plus an ANSM personal-transport certificate (Attestation de transport personnel de médicaments stupéfiants) where the destination requires it; up to a 3-month personal supply (or the treatment duration). Keep medicines in hand luggage.
- Public Health Code Art. L3421-14 (Law of 31 Dec 1970)
- ansm.sante.fr
- douane.gouv.fr
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with France’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →