Yes, purchasing Everclear (a high-proof ethanol product) in France is legal but strictly regulated under national and EU frameworks.
Everclear, typically sold as 190-proof (95% ABV) ethanol, falls under French alcohol legislation as a spirit exceeding 18% ABV. While not explicitly banned, its sale is restricted to licensed débits de boissons or specialized retailers under Arrêté du 28 février 2020 (amending Code de la santé publique). The Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire (ANSES) monitors ethanol concentrations, and local Préfectures enforce compliance. As of 2026, EU REACH regulations further limit industrial ethanol sales to licensed entities, complicating personal imports.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in France
- Licensing Requirement: Only holders of a licence de débit de boissons (Type III or IV) or registered distilleries may legally sell ethanol ≥18% ABV. Retailers must display permits from the Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI).
- Proof Restrictions: Products like Everclear (95% ABV) are classified as alcools dénaturés if intended for non-consumption. For human use, they must comply with règlement (UE) 2019/787 on spirit definitions, mandating denaturation or excise duty registration.
- Quantity Limits: Personal imports from non-EU countries are capped at 10 liters under règlement (UE) 2021/2283. Domestic purchases require excise tax payment (€1.50–€1.80 per liter, per Article 403 du Code général des impôts).
Violations trigger penalties under Article L3353-3 du Code de la santé publique, including fines up to €7,500 and seizure of goods. Consumers should verify retailer licenses via the DGDDI’s public registry before purchase.