Free import
• Saint-Martin (the French part of the island) is a French overseas collectivity with its own tax system. It is part of the EU and of the EU customs territory, but it has kept its traditional free-port status: goods brought in are not charged customs duty, and French and EU VAT does not apply.
• French Customs does not publish separate duty-free allowances for travelers arriving in Saint-Martin.
• Most flights arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten, the Dutch part of the island. There is no physical border between the French and Dutch parts, and people and goods move freely between them.
Currency
• Saint-Martin is part of the EU. Travelers must declare cash of EUR 10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) when arriving from a country outside the EU. Cash includes banknotes, coins, bearer instruments such as cheques and traveler's cheques, gold coins (at least 90% gold), gold bars and nuggets (at least 99.5% gold) and prepaid cards. The declaration can be made online with the DALIA service (up to 30 days before travel and at the latest before crossing the border) or at customs. Failure to declare can lead to a fine of up to 50% of the amount and retention of the cash.
Prohibited
• Counterfeit goods (fake designer clothing, bags, watches, perfume and similar)
• Trade in endangered species listed in Appendix I of CITES (for example sea turtles, big cats, rhinoceroses, dolphins and whales) and products made from them
• Illegal drugs
Restricted
• Other endangered species of plants and animals and products made from them (CITES), whether alive or dead, including skins, feathers and leather goods, need CITES permits.
• Weapons and ammunition need prior import authorization.
• Cultural goods (works of art, antiques, archaeological items) need documents issued by the French Ministry of Culture.
• Pets: check the current requirements for dogs, cats and other animals with the French authorities and your airline before you travel.