Customs Rules for Monaco Imports and Exports

Overview

Monaco follows EU customs rules. As a special member of the EU customs union, Monaco has specific import/export regulations, though many goods move freely within the EU.

Personal Imports

Duty-Free Thresholds

• Personal items: €150 value limit
• Household goods: Generally allowed
• Used items: Usually duty-free
• Documentation: Receipt/proof of ownership

Restricted Items

• Prohibited: Weapons, drugs, counterfeits
• Limited: Alcohol, tobacco, certain foods
• Declared: Currency over €10,000

Moving to Monaco

Household Goods

Duty-Free if:

• Used items
• Owned 6+ months
• Not for commercial use
• Moving from non-EU: May need customs declaration
• Documentation: Proof of ownership, value declaration

Required Documentation:

• Inventory of items
• Proof of residence (old, new)
• Travel documents
• Moving company declaration

Professional Equipment

• Tools: May require documentation
• Vehicles: Registration required
• Instruments: Proof of legitimacy
• Duty varies by item

Prohibited & Restricted

Completely Prohibited

• Illegal drugs
• Weapons (unless licensed)
• Counterfeit goods
• Endangered species
• Explosives

Restricted Quantities

Alcohol (per person, duty-free limits):

• Spirits: 1L
• Wine: 2L
• Beer: 15L

Tobacco (per person):

• Cigarettes: 50
• Cigars: 5
• Tobacco: 50g

Food:

• Meat products: Restricted
• Dairy: Limited
• Plants: Phytosanitary requirement
• Honey: Variable

Importing Goods Commercially

Registration Required

• EORI number (for trade)
• Company documentation
• Tax registration
• Business license

Documentation

• Invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin
• Insurance (if applicable)

Duties & Taxes

• Customs duty: Per HS code (0-40%)
• VAT: 19.5% standard rate
• Excise tax: Alcohol, tobacco, fuel
• Fees: Processing, handling

Exporting from Monaco

To EU Countries

• Generally unrestricted
• Free movement of goods
• Documentation: Invoice, packing list
• No customs duty (internal transfer)
• May need export declaration

To Non-EU Countries

• Customs documentation required
• HS code classification necessary
• Export declaration
• Certificate of origin (sometimes)
• Duties/taxes per destination

Currency & Valuables

Cash

• Under €10,000: No declaration
• €10,000 or more: Must declare
• Source documentation may be requested
• No restriction, but monitoring

Valuables

• Gold, jewelry: Declare value
• Art/antiques: Appraisal recommended
• Electronics: Receipt useful
• Photos/documentation helpful

VAT & Taxes

Standard VAT

• 19.5% on most goods
• Some items: Reduced rates (8%, 5%)
• Food: 8% (variable)
• Essential goods: May qualify

Exemptions

• Goods under €22 (non-EU): May be exempt
• Certain religious items
• Government items
• Specific categories

Customs Clearance

Entry Points

• Monaco border
• French border (for Monaco entry)
• Port entries
• Airport

Process

1. Present documents
2. Declare goods
3. Physical inspection (may occur)
4. Pay duty/VAT if applicable
5. Receive clearance
6. Proceed

Time: Usually 15 minutes to 1 hour

Restricted & Prohibited Items Detail

Plants & Agriculture

• Restricted: Seeds, plants (phytosanitary)
• Prohibited: Protected species
• Declaration: Plant health certificate
• Exemptions: Some vegetables/fruits

Electronics

• Import: Usually allowed
• VAT: Applies
• Duty: 0% most electronics
• Restrictions: Frequency equipment, weapons

Medications

• Prescription: Medical certificate
• Restricted: Controlled substances
• Duty: Generally 0%
• Regulations: May vary

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Confiscation

• Undeclared goods seized
• No compensation
• May lose item value

Fines

• €1,000+ for significant breaches
• Variable by violation type
• Negotiation sometimes possible

Legal Action

• Criminal charges possible
• For major violations
• Imprisonment possible (rare)
• Attorney recommended

Contacts & Resources

• Monaco Customs: Government office
• French Customs: For border clearance
• Shipping Companies: Assist with documentation
• Import/Export Brokers: Professional assistance

Next Steps

1. Identify items to import/export
2. Check restrictions
3. Gather documentation
4. Declare items at customs
5. Pay duties/VAT if applicable
6. Receive clearance
7. Proceed with transfer

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Official Sources & Verification

This guide is based on EU customs rules and Monaco-specific regulations as detailed on MonServicePublic.gouv.mc.

Last Verified: 2026-04-06 Status: Active and operational