French Phrase
Ça rentre dans la franchise douanière.
Meaning
The sentence means that something is covered by the customs exemption – it does not have to pay duties or taxes because it falls within the allowed limit.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about imported goods, travel purchases, or shipments that are under the tax‑free allowance set by customs. It’s common in airports, border crossings, and when explaining shipping terms.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çarentredanslafranchisedouanière
Ça
Informal demonstrative pronoun meaning “that/it”. It is the contracted form of “cela”.
rentre (verbe rentrer)
Third‑person singular present of “rentrer”. In the expression “rentrer dans”, it means “to fall under / be included in”.
dans
Preposition meaning “in, within”. Here it introduces the domain that something belongs to.
la franchise douanière
A noun phrase: “franchise” = exemption/allowance, “douanière” = customs‑related. Together they refer to the tax‑free allowance granted by customs.
🗨In Conversation
Est‑ce que ce produit sera taxé à la douane ?
Will this product be taxed at customs?
Non, ça rentre dans la franchise douanière.
No, it falls under the customs exemption.
✕Common Mistakes
Vous rentrez dans la franchise douanière.
“Rentrez” is the second‑person plural imperative; the correct third‑person singular present is “rentre”.
Ça rentre dans la franchise de prix.
Do not confuse “franchise” (exemption) with the English‑style “discount”. In French it specifically refers to a tax‑free allowance.
C’est dans la franchise douanière.
When using “être” you need the preposition “dans” only if you keep the same structure; otherwise say “C’est une franchise douanière”.
↔Alternatives
Cela relève de la franchise douanière.
That falls under the customs exemption.
C’est couvert par la franchise douanière.
It is covered by the customs exemption.
Ça fait partie de la franchise douanière.
It is part of the customs exemption.
Cultural Tip
In France, the “franchise douanière” is the amount of goods you can bring into the country without paying import duties – for example, €430 for air travelers. The phrase is therefore most often heard at airports, in customs offices, or in logistics when discussing shipping limits. It’s a formal term; in casual conversation you might simply say “c’est gratuit” or “c’est sans taxe”.